Essentialism and Islamic Theology of Homosexuality

A Critical Reflection on an Essentialist Epistemology toward Same-Sex Desires and Acts in Islam

Bibliographic Data

ID3633643
AuthorsMehrdad Alipour (Utrecht University, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume64
Issue14
Pages1930-1942
Publication date2017-12-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00918369.2017.1289001
PMID28139174
OpenAlexW2584166578
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited17

Although most traditional Muslim scholars condemn same-sex desires and acts, revisionist Muslim scholars have offered a more tolerant approach on this issue over the last two decades. Building on an essentialist approach to same-sex desires and acts, these scholars have argued that Islam accepts difference and diversity, including sexual diversity, as part of God's creation. Homosexuality, which in their view is an innate disposition to the same sex, is an alternative sexuality and, thus, accepted by the Qur'an and Islam. This article argues that an essentialist approach is not suitable to defend all manifestations of same-sex desires and acts, not only because it is narrow (as it excludes both bisexual Muslims and homosexual Muslims who believe that their sexual orientation is socially constructed), but also because it cannot even argue the case for the view of homosexuality as inborn. This article proposes to open up the debate beyond essentialism and constructivism, which both have their limitations, to accommodate a more inclusive and tolerant Islamic approach to same-sex desires and acts

Epistemology · Essentialism · Homosexuality · Islam · Male Homosexuality · Men who have sex with men · Reflection (computer programming · Sociology · Theology · Gender Studies · Islamic Studies and History · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Marriage and Sexual Relationships · Medicine · Philosophy · Psychology · Religious studies · Social Psychology

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