PUBLIC STATEMENT
Navigating Differences: Clarifying Sexual and Gender Ethics in Islam
May 23, 2023
List of signatories was updated on June 7, 2023 at 3:41 pm ET.
Public discourse on sexuality over the past few decades has presented challenges to faith communities. Today, Islamic sexual and gender ethics are at odds with certain recently popular societal views, causing tension for Muslims between their religious beliefs and societal expectations. At the same time, public disapproval of LGBTQ practices, beliefs, and advocacy is increasingly met with charges of intolerance and unwarranted accusations of bigotry. More troubling still, there is an increasing push to promote LGBTQ-centric values among children through legislation and regulations, disregarding parental consent and denying both parents and children the opportunity to express conscientious objection. Such policies subvert the agency of Muslim parents to teach their children their religiously grounded sexual ethics, violate their constitutional right to freely practice their religion, and contribute to an atmosphere of intolerance toward faith communities.
We are Muslim scholars and preachers representing a diverse range of theological schools. Below is our collective, non-partisan articulation of Islam’s position on sexual and gender ethics. As a religious minority that frequently experiences bigotry and exclusion, we reject the notion that moral disagreement amounts to intolerance or incitement of violence. We affirm our right to express our beliefs while simultaneously recognizing our constitutional obligation to exist peacefully with those whose beliefs differ from ours.
The Source of Morality for Muslims
The most essential requirement for accepting Islam is to submit to God completely, voluntarily, and lovingly. God says, “It is not for a believing man or woman—when God and His Messenger decree a matter—to have any other choice in that matter” (Quran, al-Aḥzāb:36). By submitting to God, we declare that only He possesses absolute knowledge and wisdom. Therefore, it follows from this submission that the ultimate source and basis of morality is Divine guidance, not just reason or societal trends.
Islam enjoys a rich tradition of jurisprudence that allows for diverse perspectives and accommodates various cultural norms. However, particular principles that are explicitly stated in revelation, known to be necessary elements of Islam, and unanimously agreed upon by qualified scholars are deemed immutable and not open to revision by any person or entity, including the highest religious authorities. As God asserts, “And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and justice. None can alter His words, and He is the All-Hearing, the All- Knowing” (Quran, al-An‘ām: 115).
Islam’s Position on Sexuality and Gender
By a decree from God, sexual relations are permitted within the bounds of marriage, and marriage can only occur between a man and a woman. In the Quran, God explicitly condemns sexual relations with the same sex (see, e.g., Quran, al-Nisā’: 16, al-A‘rāf: 80–83, and al-Naml: 55–58). Moreover, premarital and extramarital sexual acts are prohibited in Islam. As God explains, “Do not go near fornication. It is truly an immoral deed and a terrible way [to behave]” (Quran, al-Isrā’: 32). These aspects of Islam are unambiguously established in the Quran, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and a chain of scholarly tradition spanning fourteen centuries. As a result, they have gained the status of religious consensus (ijmā‘) and are recognized as integral components of the faith known to the general body of Muslims.
God defined humanity as consisting of males and females and declared that He “… created [humans] from a male and a female and made [them] into peoples and tribes so that you may come to know one another” (Quran, al-Ḥujurāt: 13; see also al-Najm: 45). Islam affirms that men and women are spiritually equal before God, even though each has different characteristics and roles. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) referred to women as equivalent counterparts of men. Yet, he (peace be upon him) explicitly condemned imitating the appearance of the opposite gender. Further, God calls on humanity to respect His wisdom in creation (see, e.g., Quran, al-Nisā’: 119). As such, as a general rule, Islam strictly prohibits medical procedures intended to change the sex of healthy individuals, regardless of whether such procedures are termed gender “affirming” or “confirming.” For individuals born with biological ambiguities, such as disorders of sexual development, Islam permits them to seek medical care for corrective reasons.
Islam distinguishes between feelings, actions, and identity. God holds individuals accountable for their words and actions, not for their involuntary thoughts and feelings. As our Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “God has pardoned Muslims for what they think, as long as they do not speak of or act on it” (Bukhari, 2528). In Islam, the sinful actions of an individual do not and should not dictate his or her identity. As such, it is impermissible for Muslims to take pride in identifying with labels that categorize them by their sins. It is important to note that the stance of Islam on illicit sexual relations goes hand in hand with its protection and promotion of the individual’s right to privacy. Islam prohibits prying into others’ private lives and discourages public disclosure of sexual behavior (see, e.g., Quran, al-Ḥujurāt: 12 and al-Nūr: 19).
We recognize that some religious groups have reinterpreted or revised religious doctrine to be inclusive of LGBTQ ideology. The Muslim community is not immune to such pressures. Indeed, some have attempted to reinterpret Islamic texts in favor of LGBTQ affirmation. We categorically reject such efforts as theologically indefensible because these aspects of sexual ethics fit within the category of immutable tenets and are therefore not subject to revision.
Our Constitutional Right to Hold Our Views
We recognize that our moral code conflicts with the goals of LGBTQ proponents. We also acknowledge their constitutional right to live in peace and free from abuse. Nevertheless, we emphasize our God-given and constitutional rights to hold, live by, and promote our religious beliefs in the best manner (Quran, al-Naḥl: 125) without fear of legal reprisal or systematic marginalization. Peaceful coexistence does not necessitate agreement, acceptance, affirmation, promotion, or celebration. We refuse the false choice between succumbing to social pressures to adopt views contrary to our beliefs or facing unfounded charges of bigotry. Such coercive ultimatums undermine prospects for harmonious coexistence.
We call on policymakers to protect our constitutional right to practice our religious beliefs freely, without fear of harassment, and to oppose any legislation seeking to stifle the religious freedoms of faith communities. Consistent with our claim of non-partisanship, we are committed to working with individuals of all religious and political affiliations to protect the constitutional right of faith communities to live according to their religious convictions and to uphold justice for all.
To Our Muslim Community
We urge Muslim public figures to uphold the sanctity of our faith and refrain from making erroneous pronouncements on behalf of Islam. We reject any attempt to attribute positions to Islam concerning sexual and gender ethics that contravene well-established Islamic teachings. To be clear, we cannot overstate the detrimental spiritual consequences for those who intentionally reject, advocate the rejection of, or misrepresent the will of God, as in doing so they endanger their status as believers (Quran, al-An‘ām: 21).
To those among us who struggle with desires that fall outside the boundaries set by God: know that even the most righteous can commit sins and that every Muslim, no matter how sinful, has the potential to be forgiven. Practicing self-restraint in devotion to God is considered heroic. Its spiritual reward increases proportionally with the level of struggle involved. Our ultimate purpose is to prioritize devotion to God over our desires and not sacrifice our faith. We pray to God to grant us the necessary strength and unwavering commitment to live up to our ideals. May we find inner peace and satisfaction through loving submission, and may God deem us worthy of being counted among the believers, the most honorable of titles.
For inquiries, please email info@navigatingdifferences.com. For religous scholars and Imams who wish to sign this statement, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Shaykh Tameem Ahmadi
Nur Institute
Shaykh Hatem al-Haj, PhD
Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America
Shaykh Salah al-Sawy, PhD
Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America
Shaykh Ammar Alshukry
AlMaghrib Institute
Professor Ovamir Anjum, PhD
Ummatics Institute
Ustadha Zaynab Ansari
Tayseer Seminary
Imam Navaid Aziz
Islamic Information Society of Calgary
Shaykh Jamal Badawi, PhD
Fiqh Council of North America
Professor Ihsan Bagby, PhD
Fiqh Council of North America
Shaykh Nomaan Baig
Institute of Knowledge
Shaykh Waleed Basyouni, PhD
AlMaghrib Institute
Shaykh Ahmed Billoo
Institute of Knowledge
Imam Yaser Birjas
Valley Ranch Islamic Center
Professor Jonathan Brown, PhD
Georgetown University
Canadian Council of Imams
Representing 80 Canadian Imams
Professor Sharif El-Tobgui, PhD
Boston Islamic Seminary
Shaykh Alauddin Elbakri
Tawasaw
Shaykh Shadee Elmasry, PhD
NBIC Safina Society
Shaykh Mohammad Elshinawy
Mishkah University
Imam Tom Facchine
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research
Shaykh Yasir Fahmy
Prophetic Living
Shaykh Mohammed Faqih
Memphis Islamic Center
Shaykh Yassir Fazzaga
Memphis Islamic Center
Shaykha Hanaa Gamal
Fiqh Council of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston
Professor Abdullah Bin Hamid Ali, PhD
Zaytuna College
Shaykh Suleiman Hani
AlMaghrib Institute
Shaykh Asif Hirani, PhD
Islamic Circle of North America
Shaykh Omar Husain, PhD, LPC
Shaykh AbdulNasir Jangda
Qalam Institute
Shaykh Abdur Rahman Khan
The Shariah Council of Islamic Circle of North America
Shaykh Ahmad Kutty
Ustadha Fatima Lette
Qalam Institute
Shaykh Mohammed Amin Kholwadia
Darul Qasim College
Shaykh Hamzah Maqbul
Ribat Institute
Ustadh AbdelRahman Murphy
Roots Community
Shaykha Ieasha Prime
Barakah Inc. Leadership Institute
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, PhD
Islamic Seminary of America
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, PhD
Al-Maqasid Islamic Seminary
Imam Jihad Saafir
Islah LA
Ustadha Aatifa Shareef, LPC
Qalam Institute
Shaykh Muzzamil Siddiqi, PhD
Fiqh Council of North America
Imam Syed Soharwardy
Islamic Supreme Council of Canada
Shaykh Zulfiqar Ali Shah, PhD
Fiqh Council of North America
Shaykh Omar Suleiman, PhD
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research
Ustadh Amjad Tarsin
Al-Maqasid Islamic Seminary
Shaykh Saad Tasleem
AlMaghrib Institute
Shaykh Mustafa Umar
California Islamic University
Ustadh Mobeen Vaid
Shaykh Abdullah Waheed
Miftaah Institute
Mufti Abdul Rahman Waheed
Miftaah Institute
Imam Siraj Wahhaj
Al-Taqwa Mosque (Brooklyn, NY)
Shaykh Dawud Walid
Shaykha Aysha Wazwaz, PhD
Gems of Light Institute
Imam Suhaib Webb
Institute of Sacred Sciences
Shaykh Tahir Wyatt, PhD
United Muslim Masjid
Shaykha Haifaa Younis, MD
Jannah Institute
Shaykh Jamaal Zarabozo
Shaykh Abu Zayd, PhD
Quran Literacy Institute
Shaykh Furhan Zubairi
Institute of Knowledge
Signatures Added On May 24, 2023
Imam Qutaibah Abbasi
DeSoto House of Peace Mosque
Shaykh Taha Abdul-Basser
Imam Yusuf Abdulle
Islamic Association of North America
Imam AbdurRahman Ahmad
Islamic Center of New England.
Shaykh Tanweer Ahmed
Hillside Islamic Center
Shaykh Abdullah Al-Mahmudi
Muslim Unity Center
Imam Mowlid Ali
As-Sadique Islamic Center
Shaykh Umer Ansari
Northside Islamic Center of San Antonio
Imam Akram Baioumy
Imam Nadim Bashir
East Plano Islamic Center
Imam Kemal Cecunjanin
Shaykh Ismaeel Chartier
Sunna Institute
Sheikh Aqib Choudhury
Shaykh Chad Earl
Islamic Center of Maryland
Imam John Ederer
Muslim Community Center of Charlotte
Imam Ismail Fenni
Yusuf Mosque
Ustadh Ayman Hammous, PhD
Executive director of Muslim American Society
Shaykh Ikramul Haq
Masjid Al-Islam (Rhode Island)
Shaykh Abdullah Hatia
Halton Islamic Association
Imam Mohamed Herbert
Legacy International High School
Ustadh Iyad Hilal
Alarqam Institute
Imam Ibrahim Hindy
Ustadh Shakiel Humayun
NYC Muslim Center
Shaykh Noman Hussain
Oasis Chicago
Professor Muzammil Hussain, PhD
Shaykh Osama Ibrahim
Islamic Society of Palm Springs
Professor Seema Imam, EdD
Shaykh Auda Jasser, PhD
Muslim Association of Canada
Shaykh AbdulRazzak Junaid
Islamic Center of Nashville
Imam Umar Kabiruddin
Al Salaam Academy
Imam Abdirahman Kariye
Dar Al Farooq Center
Imam Musleh Khan
Islamic Institute of Toronto
Shaykh Zaid Khan
Institute of Knowledge
Imam Salah Mahmoud
Islamic Center of Frisco
Shaykh Mamdouh Mahmoud, PhD
Islamic society of greater Houston
Imam Fuad Mohamed
Muslim American Society (Bay Area)
Shaykh Rihabi Mohamed Rihabi, PhD
Shaykh Ahmed Mohamed, PhD
Islamic Society of Central Jersey
Mufti Wahaajuddin Mohammed
Tawheed Center (MI)
Sheikh Uzair Mohsin
Islamic Association of Collin County
Shaykh Suhail Mulla
Islamic Society of West Valley
Shaykh Abdullah Mullanee
Lubab Academy
Imam Irshad Osman
Danforth Islamic Centre
Mufti Nayef Patel
Masjid Arqam
Chaplain Tricia Pethic
Muslim Prisoner Project
Shaykh Usman Qamar
Wijhah Initiative
Imam Hamid Raza
Al-Ansar Center
Ustadh Zuhair Shaath
Chino Valley Islamic Center
Imam Farhan Siddiqi
Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center
Shaykh Khalil Skafi
Sunni Muslim
Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith
Qalam Institute
Ustadh Ahmed Soboh
Islamic Shura Council of Southern California
Ustadh Fahad Tasleem
Sapience Institute
Shaykh Suhel Teli
Darul Uloom New York
Shaykh Azfar Uddin
Islamic Foundation North
Shaykh Osman Umarji, PhD
Yaqeen Institute
Shaykh Ibad Wali
Sacred Knowledge Inc.
Signatures Added On May 26, 2023
Shaykh Ramzy Ajem
Masjid Vaughan
Shaykh Yasser Albaz
DAR Foundation
Shaykh Rizwan Ali, PhD
Islamic Center of Naperville
Imam Mohamed Badawy
Islamic Association of Raleigh
Shaykh Osama Bahloul, PhD
Fiqh Council of North America
Imam Mohamed Bendame, PhD
MAC, Kitchener Masjid
Shaykh Mongy El-Quesny
Northwest Indiana Islamic Center
Shaykh Mohammed ElFarooqui
Islamic Society of Greater Houston
Imam Mohamed Elghobashy
Muslim Association of Greater Rockford
Imam Sulaimaan Hamed
Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam
Imam Ameer Hamza
Islamic Society of Milwaukee
Imam Muhammad Haq
American Society for Islamic Awareness
Imam Taha Hassane
Islamic Center of San Diego
Shaykh Omar Hedroug
Islamic Center of Naperville
Imam Majed Jarrar
Siraj Institute
Ustadh Waheed Jensen, MD, PhD
A Way Beyond the Rainbow
Imam Ali Jomha
Canadian Islamic Center
Imam Muhammad Kamruzzaman
Danforth Community Centre
Imam Hasan Khalil
Islamic School of Irving
Shaykha Zakia Khalil
Hajar Institute
Imam Ahmad Khalil
MAC, Ottawa
Imam Mustapha Kifah
Council of Imams and Scholars of Greater Chicago
Mufti Wasim Khan
ISRA Foundation (Plano, TX)
Imam Safi Khan
Roots Community
Ustadh Adrian Ashir Kirk
Measured Tones Institute of Quran
Professor Rihabi Mohamed, PhD
Quranic Performance
Shaykh Ahmed M. Mohamed, PhD
Islamic Society of Central Jersey
Mufti Abdullah Nana
Islamic Society of Mill Valley
Shaykh Abdullah Oduro
Coppell Islamic Center
Shaykh Sadique Pathan
Al Rashid Mosque
Imam Omer Rangoonwala, Esq.
Shaykh Abdulaziz Rasoul
ISNA Schools and I3 Institute
Shaykh Osama Salama
Islamic Society of Palm Springs
Shaykh Ahmad Saleem
Hamzah Islamic Center (Atlanta, GA)
Mawlana Mushtaq Shaikh
Masjid Bilal Muslim Association
Shaykh Huzaifah Siddiqui
Islamic Society of Akron and Kent
Mufti Mohammad Shibli Siddiqui
Humble Islamic Center
Shaykh Essam Tawfik
Islamic Leadership Institute of America
Shaykh Mehmet Usta
i3 Institute
Signatures Added On May 30, 2023
Imam Aladin Abulhassan, PhD
Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America
Shaykh Hussein Afeefy, PhD
Shaykh Hashim Ahmad
Institute of Knowledge
Imam Haroon Ahmed
Masjid Uthman (IL)
Imam Moustafa Al-Qazwini, PhD
Islamic Educational Center of Orange County
Shaykh Ali Ali, PhD
Muslim Community of Western Suburbs (MI)
Shaykh Saber Alkilani, Phd
Islamic Association of Sault Ste Marie (ON)
Shaykh Main Alqudah, PhD
Guidance College
Shaykh Anwar Arafat
Islamic Association of Greater Memphis
Shaykh Tarik Ata
Orange County Islamic Foundation
Ustadh Abdullatif Bakbak
Muslim Association of Canada
Shaykh Sheryar Bashir
Al-Ihsan Educational foundation
Shaykh Jamel Ben Ameur, PhD
Imam ShemsAdeen Ben-Masaud
Crescent View Academy
Ustadha Tuscany Bernier
Imam Hamza Bilgic
Salaam Islamic Center
Shaykh Numaan Cheema
Darul Uloom Central Jersey
Shaykh Mukhtar Curtis, PhD
Imam Bachir Djehiche, PhD
Guidance Collage
Professor Abdelhafid Djemil, PhD
President Majlis Ash-Shura of NY
Imam Imad Enchassi, PhD
Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City
Ustath Mohammed Hannini
Alarqam Institute
Shaykh Saad Haque
Zakaria Islamic Academy
Shaykh Anisul Haque
Shaykh Samir Hussain
Fahm Education
Shaykh Ismaael Iqbal
Ihya Foundation
Shaykh Hussain Kamani
Qalam Institute
Imam Faisal Khan
Quba Institute of New York
Imam Muhammad Kolila
Denver Islamic Society
Shaykh Ibrahim Ma
Chinese Muslim Association of North America
Ustadh Feras Marish
DAR Foundation
Shaykh Taha Masood
Al-Ihsan Educational Foundation
Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed
Shaykh Abdulhakim Mohamed, PhD
North American Imams Federation
Imam Yahya Momla
The BC Muslim Association
Imam Salahuddin Muhammad, DMin
As Salaam Islamic Center
Shaykh Saifullah Muhammad
Northwest Islamic Community Center (MN)
Imam Bashir Mundi
West Cobb Islamic Center (GA)
Shaykh Mohamed Mursal
Islamic Association Of North America
Imam Abdus-Salaam Musa, DMin
South East Queens Muslim Collective
Shaykh Tariq Musleh
The Mecca Center
Ustadh Muneeb Nasir
Olive Tree Foundation
Shaykh Shakib Nawabi
Darululoom San Diego
Shaykh Hamza Palya
Sacred Knowledge Institute
Shaykh Rizwaan Patel
Darul Ifta Rockford
Ustath Yousef Salam
Straight Struggle
Imam Mohamed Sayed
Islamic Center of Bloomington
Shaykh Ali Sbeiti
Imam Hafiz Shafique
Masjid AlQuran (WI)
Imam Jamal Shah
Nabvi Mosque (NY)
Shaykh Zubair Sidyot
Lethbridge Muslim Association
Imam Jamal Taleb, PhD
Canadian Islamic Center
Imam Sami Zaharna
Muslim Family Center (MD)
Signatures Added On June 7, 2023
Imam Hamzah Abdul-Malik
Midtown Mosque (TN)
Imam Abdelhamid Algizawi, PhD
Muslim Community Association of Ann Arbor
Imam Osama Alrefai
Islamic Center of Peoria
Shaykh Khaled AlTaweel, PhD
Muslim Wellness Network
Shaykh Ahmed Bedir
Omar Islamic Center (CT)
Shaykh Zahid Bukhari, PhD
Center for Islam and Public Policy, ICNA CSJ
Imam Atif Chaudhry
Rahma Center of Charlotte
Imam Ousmane Drame
Masjid Al-Farooq (Chicago)
Shaykh Alaa Elsaadawi
Al Tawheed Islamic Center (NJ)
Imam Talha Elsayed
Albuquerque Islamic Center
Imam Mustapha Elturk
Islamic Organization of North America
Shaykh Muwaffaq Ghalayini, PhD
Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America
Shaykh Aqil Ingram
Gwynn Oak Islamic Community
Shaykh Muzaffar Iqbal
Center for Islamic Sciences (Canada)
Imam Osama Jaber, PhD
Palos Islamic Center
Mufti Yusuf Lulat
Al Khalil Academy
Shaykh Abdullah Misra
Islamic Centre of Cambridge
Imam Hossam Musa
Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
Canadian Council of Muslim Theologians
Shaykh Muhammad Nabeel
American Muslim Center (MA)
Imam Saeed Purcell
Islamic Center of Irving
Imam Mohammad Qatanani, PhD
Center for Islam and Public Policy, ICNA CSJ
Imam Omar Reda
Islamic Center of Fort Collins
Imam Walid Shadi
Muslim American Society
Shaykh Musa Sugapong
Khalil Center
Imam Sayed Tora
Hamilton Downtown Mosque
Imam Raouf Zaman
Muslim Center of Middlesex County
Institutions are listed for identification purposes only.
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