Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

God tells us in the Quran that homosexuality is an abomination (Quran 7:80-81, 21:74, 27:54, 29:28) and must be avoided. Both the Bible and the Quran narrate the story of Lot, and his reminders to Sodom and Gomorrah against sinning.

[Quran 7:80-81] Lot said to his people, "You commit such an abomination; no one in the world has done it before! "You practice sex with the men, instead of the women. Indeed, you are a transgressing people."

[Quran 26:165-166] "Do you have sex with the males, of all the people? "You forsake the wives that your Lord has created for you! Indeed, you are transgressing people."

In Lot's time, God annihilated the community for the multitude of sins they committed (29:28-35). Today, studies show a variety of consequences for homosexuals (see health citations below). While the Quran does not specify societal punishment for individuals' private choices, sins always hurt our souls and displease God. If one chooses to actively step out of God's kingdom, one pays the price for taking Satan as a master. The same is true for those who choose to commit idol-worship, consume intoxicants or gamble (also labeled as abominations, Quran 5:90-91). All these sins grievously hurt our souls.

While this world is fleeting, those who continue to disobey God pay the ultimate price of losing their soul on the Day of Resurrection (Quran 39:15, 42:45), and eternal exile from God's kingdom.

May God guide us and protect us from sin.

References:
http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/perspectives/more/traits/homosexuality.html
http://www.masjidtucson.org/current/same_sex_marriages.html
http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/womensrights/chapter8.pdf

Health citations:
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/msm/index.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/msmhealth/STD.htm
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42960543/ns/health-cancer/


Peace.