Sexual Relationships

• Sexual relationships in Islam


  Islam recognises the need for sex as an expression of love, and understands that it helps to fulfil physical, emotional and spiritual needs
• Physical

  • Sexual desire is natural and Muslims are taught that it is best fulfilled with marriage
• Surah about sexual desire being natural

  'Another of His signs is that He created spouses from among yourselves for you to live in tranquility'
• Emotional

  • Once married the couple can support each other with life's difficulties
• Surah about marriage being helpful emotionally

  
  

  'They are close as garments to you, as you are to them'
• Spiritual

  • Marriage provides a soulmate for life
• Surah about marriage being good spiritually as it provides a soulmate for life

  
  

  'Our Lord, give us joy in our spouses and offspring'
• Sex should only take place in a marriage
• Prohibited sexual relationships in Islam

  • Pre-marital sex
  • Adultery
  • Homosexuality
• Pre-marital sex


  Islam encourages modest dress and discourages boys and girls mixing freely, particularly when they reach puberty as Prophet Muhammad said that Satan joins them
• Adultery

  Four witnesses must see the adultery for the law to apply. Adulterers are punished in some Islamic countries but many Muslims believe that Allah will be forgiven if there is repentance
• Homosexuality

  Homosexuality is a sin, unnatural and goes against Allah's will. In many countries, homosexuality is punished as harshly as adultery is
• Non-religious people argue that traditional views and religious beliefs are no longer relevant


  Adultery isn't illegal, premarital sex allows people to see if they are physically compatible, and same-sex marriages are now legal
• Muslims argue

  Sex outside marriage is unhealthy for society, and the punishment given in Islam reflect the severity of the sin. However, many agree that the teachings are outdated, especially about homosexuality as Allah has made everyone perfect and homosexuality is not a choice Allah made them that way
• Surah about not having sex outside of marriage

  'Stay well away from committing obscenities, whether openly or in secret'