MORAL ISSUES
INTRODUCTION
Today’s American Society is confronted by many moral issues such as abortion, sexual orientation, and birth control. The established consensus on these issues has broken down, and the nation faces a new challenge. Our inability to address these issues as Americans is eroding our moral and social conscience. We believe that one solution in overcoming moral challenges is to return to faith-based values.
The Islamic Institute hopes to play a vital role in overcoming the many moral challenges facing American society by participating in the various debates concerning moral issues and values in America. To this end, the institute endeavors to formulate opinions that are consistent with Islamic teachings. Islamic Institute invites the continued input of qualified Islamic scholars and other experts specializing in the study of religion and society.
SEXUAL RELATIONS
In the Holy Qur'an, premarital sexual relations are considered illegitimate, and according to the opinions of various Islamic scholars, amounts to fornication and/or adultery. The Islamic tradition, which is based on the Qu’ran and on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), teaches that marrying at a young age is a positive step in meeting the sexual needs of man and woman in a healthy way.
Islam gives great importance to the family unit, thus, the role of marriage and moral purity are emphasized. Behavior that inhibits family and community ties is strongly discouraged: dishonesty, injustice, promiscuity are considered social evils that impinge on the sovereignty of the family and the community. Islam’s main aim is to provide a peaceful, harmonious society, where the needs of all members are met, where the old are sheltered and respected, and the children are loved and given appropriate guidance. Thus, an Islamic society demands that individuals regulate their actions to support the community by following the teachings of the Qu’ran.
HOMOSEXUALITY
Since Islam condemns any practice that contradicts the principles that ensure a prosperous, happy family and community, it requires a high level of moral discipline. In this regard, homosexuality, or any other form of sexual behavior that does not support the traditional family unit, is forbidden. The relationship between a man and a woman is given a sacred place in Islam. It is believed that the marriage institution allows the culmination of a higher level of understanding of Islam.
“And among His Signs Is this, that He created For you mates from among Yourselves, that you may Dwell in tranquility with them, And He has put love And mercy between your (hearts): Verily in that are Signs For those who reflect.” (Qu’ran 30: 21)
BIRTH CONTROL
Various birth control techniques have been known since the dawn of time. At the time of the Prophet, the only known method was that of coitus interruptus. When asked whether this method was allowable for Muslims, the Prophet responded: "It is not forbidden for all souls, which are (predestined) to be born until the Day of Judgment, shall be born."
In Islam, predestination plays an important role. It is believed that God has already chosen when and where someone will be born, so no matter what choices humans make, including those concerning contraception, God’s predestined plan will be fulfilled. Basing their opinions on this, Muslim legal scholars allow Muslims to use the birth control method(s) of their choice.
ABORTION
Muslim jurists agree that voluntary abortion is reprehensible, but not forbidden. Abortion is acceptable at any time during the first four months beginning with the last menstrual period. Thereafter, abortion is forbidden. This view is based upon the Muslim belief that the embryo becomes a person after four months, for that is when God breathes into it a spirit and transforms into a human being. Some scholars have, therefore, stated that voluntary abortion is not sinful if undertaken within four months of conception.
ALCOHOLISM AND DRUGS
While alcohol has been with humanity for a very long time, drugs are a relatively new phenomenon. The Qur'an uses the word khamr to cover all substances which prevent the mind from functioning normally. As all alcoholic beverages and drugs fall into this category, the followers of Islam are advised against their use.
"O you who attain to faith; intoxicants, games of chance and idolatrous practices and divining the future are but a loathsome evil of Satan's doing; shun them, so that you might attain to a happy state (of life)." (Qur'an 5:90)
GAMBLING
As indicated in the verse cited above, the practice of gambling and “games of chance" are associated with customs pre-dating the coming of Islam, which are considered to be on the same level as drugs and alcohol, were forbidden. Moreover, wealth earned through dishonorable means is unacceptable. Islam promotes a sober, philosophical, and a higher understanding of the world one lives in and the one beyond this life for the purpose of contributing to the advancement of society and religious thought. Such an approach can only be pursued with the proper discipline of the body and the spirit.
