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Hello Khalid,
Thanks for the email and again let me assure you that there were no
apologies needed the first time and none would be required in the future.
I did not mean to come out as forcefully against homosexuality as I did. I
suppose what I was trying to say was that I, as a person cannot identify
with or relate to homosexual behavior. I do not have a problem with people
finding happiness in a homosexual union, provided the relationship is
characterized by commitment, rights and responsibilities. In my previous
email I stated that I do not have any qualms about such unions getting legal
recognition also, therefore I cannot regard these as illegal or immoral as
your letter suggested. What I do find reprehensible is promiscuity,
whether it is homosexual or heterosexual, as it destroys the very fiber of
society by producing dysfunctional families, children and communities. I am
not unique in this and I believe all of us agree on this point. On the other
hand, a long, steady common- law or homosexual union is a de facto marriage,
as it includes bonding, rights and responsibilities.
You discussed scriptures in your last email. The Judeo-Christian world
acquires its disdain for homosexuality based on a verse in Leviticus,(Can't
remember which one) one of the five books of the Torah. In Leviticus,
homosexuality is punishable by death.
The Qur'an adopts a far more compassionate approach towards homosexuality,
thereby acknowledging perhaps a biological predisposition towards it.
Leaving the interpretations of the Mullahs, Ayatollahs and self-styled
Mahdis aside, Verse 15 and 16 of Surah Nisa'a, speak of checking the
behaviour of men and women guilty of homosexual conduct by restricting their
movement. Consider the punishment for adutlery on the other hand. It is far
more severe, with a prescription of one hundred lashes for the adulteror
and the adulteress, provided of course that guilt has been established,
after the stringent conditions regarding testimony are met. (Next to
impossible)
I was more interested in a feedback on the points I raised about Wahy. I
hope you will address the issue in your response next time.
Regards
Farzana.
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