Allah speaks about various Prophets and their people in the Qur’an so that we may learn lessons. Homosexuality was rife among people of Lut (AS). The islamic stance on LGBTQ+ is derived from this story. Lut (AS) lived approximately 12 kilometres away from the residence of Ibrahim (AS). When the angels approached Ibrahim (AS) with the glad tidings of a son, they then visited Lut (AS) with a warning about his people. The angels came in the form of handsome men. When Lut (AS) saw them, he became frightened. He was concerned that his people may find out and become lustful. His wife invited the men of the village who surrounded their house, in the hope of fulfilling their homosexual desires.
They were ready to storm the house when Lut (AS) pleaded with them to stop, offering his daughters in marriage instead. By this, the mufassireen state that he intended to marry his daughters to the chiefs of the tribe. Others comment that he meant the whole community are like his daughters, as he was the Prophet and fatherly figure. The people bluntly responded that we desire these men and we will not accept your offer.
Lut (AS) returned home to his guests, anxious and worried. He was still unaware that these guests were angels from Allah in human form. One of them was Jibril (AS), who informed Lut (AS) to not worry or panic. He commanded him to flee the city at night with all the believers and to ensure that no one turns around. By morning, the entire nation was wiped out including the wife of Lut (AS), who disobeyed the command and turned around.
Narrating the entire incident, Allah says, “And when Our messengers [the angels], came to Lut, he was anguished for them and felt for them great discomfort and said, “This is a trying day.” And his people came hastening to him, and before [this] they had been doing evil deeds. He said, “O my people, these are my daughters; they are purer for you. So fear Allah and do not disgrace me concerning my guests. Is there not among you a man of reason?” They said, “You have already known that we have not concerning your daughters any claim, and indeed, you know what we want.” He said, “If only I had against you some power or could take refuge in a strong support.”
The angels said, “O Lot, indeed we are messengers of your Lord; [therefore], they will never reach you. So set out with your family during a portion of the night and let not any among you look back – except your wife; indeed, she will be struck by that which strikes them. Indeed, their appointment is [for] the morning. Is not the morning near?” So when Our command came, We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of layered hard clay [which were] marked from your Lord” (Qur’an, 11:77-83).
From this incident we learn many lessons. As stated in the Qur’an, to indulge in the act of homosexuality is forbidden in Islam, just like it is forbidden in Orthodox Christianity and Judaism. As believers, we must educate ourselves about our beliefs and boundaries. Thereafter, educate others and engage in peaceful dialogue. Abusive behaviour towards any group is not permitted at all which is common knowledge. But to shy away from sharing a religious viewpoint due to the fear of being labelled is unbecoming of a believer. May Allah guide us, aameen.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s Jumuah talk on 03/07/20 in Masjid-ut-Taqwa, Pietermaritzburg. To listen to the full talk, please click here.
