Oh you fancy, huh

However blunt this may seem, there is no room in Islam for homosexuality.  In fact, the Qur’an and Hadith condemns homosexuality. Allah (SWT) created the woman from man in his infinite mercy. Thus, the woman was created for man to enjoy and protect. In addition, there are duties for both men and women in Islam.  For example, men are the protectors and maintainers of the household and the imam, or leader.  The woman takes care of the household and obeys her husband as it is her entry into Paradise. So how could there be a separate category of “effeminate men”? It is mind boggling in this day and time (and place) for Muslim men to dress like women wearing the clothing of women and jewelry. However, during the time of the Prophet (PBUH) the Mukhannathun of Medina were a group of men who imitated women with clothing, henna, and jewelry. These men were reversing gender roles although there is little evidence of these men being homosexual. Obviously there was a strong reaction to these effeminate men of Medina.

            The Prophet (PBUH) cursed effeminate men and mannish women.  These effeminate men were going against the natural order of things and demonstrating irreligion. Men should not be acting like women-it was not right.  These men of Medina became the middlemen amongst the women despite the disproval of the Prophet. They would play matchmaker between the men and women even. There were different views concerning this group of effeminate men.  Some people appreciated these men for their wit and charm. Other people, like the Prophet, believed that these men demonstrated immorality and irreligion and were against their actions. Besides dressing like women and being in the company of women (imitating their behavior and way of speech), these men became musicians. These men used tambourines and played lighter songs.  Soon, the peoples of Medina decided to punish these effeminate men of Medina by castration. As musicians, these men were seen as a threat to society. Women would hear the music being played from afar and swoon.  This angered the men and the Mukhannathun were castrated. 

            Despite these effeminate men imitating women in behavior, there was little evidence that these men were homosexual.  Were they sexually attracted to women or men? Al Garad and Al Dalal are the only two who have explicit homosexual evidence. This of course is a problem.  There is no such thing as homosexuality in Islam!  There is no place.  Men are for women, and women for men. The two were made for each other.  There is no anal sex in Islam at all so how can two men be together for one?  They were not designed to be together. Just like the story of the men that had sex with another man and after said that the rock would testify against him on the Day of Judgment. Overall, the effeminate men were of lower status. It was insulting for one to be called a Mukhannathun if he was not.  These men faced varying degrees of repression by state. As indicated by the mass castrations, these effeminate men and the imitation of women by men in general became unacceptable.

            Although homosexuality in Islam is unacceptable (and has no place), marriage in Islam is entirely acceptable.  In fact, marriage is extremely important. It is narrated by Anas that the messenger of Allah (SWT) said “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the other half.” Marriage in Islam is so important in that it completes half your deen or half your religion. Men and women were created as company for one another and so they can procreate and live in peace and tranquility. There is so much mercy in being married. Allah opens the doors of Jannah (Paradise) to the women who obey and are grateful to their husbands. There is “etiquette” for both men and women in regards to marriage. For example, it is the duty of the man to make sure that he pleases his wife sexually but the wife must not turn down her husband if he desires her sexually. There is a set of guidelines regarding marriage and the role of the men and women in regard to marriage.  By following the set of guidelines ordained by Allah (SWT), may the married couple enter Paradise, Ameen. Amongst the Muslims, there is a sort of “craze” when it comes to marriage. Marriage is the only way to have a companion of the opposite sex, to have any sexual relations, and with all the blessings in marriage, it is said that “if you have the means to be married, then it is better for you.”

            In closing, as the quote goes Islam is perfect, Muslims are not. There are guidelines in Islam regarding everything-how to clean yourself, how to eat, etc. Thus there are guidelines in place for how to act as a man and how to act as a woman.  The effeminate men of Medina were exhibiting behavior not according to Qur’an and Sunnah. No matter who thought it was acceptable for these men to imitate women, it is unacceptable.