Islamic views

Islam has very strict views on love and sex. These are based on passages from the Qur’an [Qur'an: That which is read or recited. The Divine Book revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Allah's final revelation to humankind. ] and Hadith (the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad).

Arab husband and wife

Muslims view sexual intercourse as an act of worship that fulfils emotional and physical needs as well as being procreative. Having children is the way in which humans can contribute towards Allah’s creation.

Sexual intercourse is a gift from Allah [Allah: The Islamic name for God in the Arabic language ] and therefore can only take place within a married relationship. Islam encourages people to marry and not to lead celibate [Celibacy: Being unmarried; taking a vow of chastity means promising not to get married or to engage in sexual intercourse. ] lives. Marriage places a responsibility on both the husband and the wife to meet each other’s sexual needs.

Homosexual relationships

Homosexual and lesbian relationships are forbidden by Islam because of these strict rules about sexual intercourse only taking place between a husband and wife. Some Muslim lawyers have argued that it is a crime which should be punished by death.