Before we talk about this topic, we have to take a pause and put things in perspective. We have to look at the time we live in and fairly assess the prevalent ideologies and trends. We cannot just look at an ideology and assume that because it is common, that it is correct. It’s common sense! How many beliefs have existed in history that we now know to be completely baseless and illogical?

One prevalent desire today, especially in the Western countries, is to simply put, give in to one’s desires. We are told to be in sync with our desires, accept how we feel or want to feel. “If this is how you feel, you should welcome it!” “If you have a desire, find a way to fulfill it!” Such beliefs are pushed to the point that we are convinced we are defined by them. There was a time where if asked, “Who are you?”, one would respond by saying, “I am a Christian,” “I am a Republican,” or “I am an electrician.” Now, it is common to hear, “I am transgender” or “I am non-binary” and base majority of one’s personality on that, a sexual orientation or gender identity.

We all know that everyone has desires – some good, some bad. Common sense and Islam tells us that. They also tell us that we shouldn’t act out on every desire we have. If a married man gets attracted to every woman he sees walking in the street, should he act out? We know some people are more predisposed to alcohol addiction – should they drink whenever they get the chance? A person gets into a heated argument with someone and gets a desire to hurt him/her (or worse) – should that be acted out on?

In Islam, acting out on a bad desire is a sin. Whether that’s any of the examples above or yes, practicing homosexuality. The Qur’an is very clear that practicing it is a sin –

And ˹remember˺ when Lot scolded ˹the men of˺ his people, ˹saying,˺ “Do you commit a shameful deed that no man has ever done before?”

[Qur’an 7:80]

However, in Islam, having the desire does not take you out of the folds of Islam. In fact, you struggling against your desires is actually a great virtue and can elevate you in the Eyes of God to a higher level than you would have without having such desires. There are many Muslims around the world who are attracted to the same sex, yet are practicing, know that their desire is a desire, and they will be rewarded for their internal fight. And that’s what you expect from God – One who knows that people have desires, doesn’t invalidate them for simply having them, and rewards them for struggling to obey Him.

Lastly, we must always go back to the fundamentals – if you know that God exists and know which religion is the truth, you have to do what God says. Period. Your desires come secondary.