By : Mohd Redzuan bin Zamberi

"Gay" refers to someone who is romantically, emotionally, or sexually attracted to another person of the same gender. Typically, this term is used for men who are attracted to other men, but it is sometimes used more broadly to describe individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
Historical Background of the Term "Gay"

In English, the word gay originally meant "cheerful," "happy," or "colorful." The term originates from Old English and Old French (gai), meaning carefree, joyful, and unrestrained. During the Middle Ages, it was used to describe someone who lived freely without moral constraints. By the 19th and early 20th centuries, the word gay began to be associated with homosexuality, although it was initially used in a concealed manner. By the 1950s and 1960s, gay had become a widely accepted term used by the homosexual community as part of their identity.

What Are the Factors That Influence This Sexual Disorder?
There are three main factors: biological, environmental, and natural personality factors.
1. Biological Factors
Genetic and hormonal influences play a role in shaping a person's sexual orientation.
Some individuals claim they were born with an innate attraction to the same gender.
A real-life example: A client shared that from childhood, he admired a handsome male neighbor who often greeted and cared for him, leading to a different kind of emotional attachment toward the same gender.
2. Environmental Factors
Certain social and cultural experiences can influence how individuals perceive and express their sexual orientation.
Some individuals were sexually assaulted during their school years, leading them to associate the traumatic experience with pleasure and later develop an addiction to same-sex attraction.
Others engage in homosexual acts out of curiosity or enjoyment, particularly in male-only environments such as boarding schools. Over time, this behavior alters their sexual orientation.
3. Natural Personality Factors
Personality is closely linked to behavior and interactions with others.
Some members of the LGBT community claim they have exhibited soft or feminine traits since childhood, even before understanding their sexual orientation.
Personal traits and behaviors shape their social interactions and may influence their sexual identity.

Many individuals in this community prefer different labels, such as queer, People Like Us (PLU), or do not use any label at all.
This group is increasing in number, especially in high schools, universities, and organizations. They have their own ways of identifying each other, expanding their network, and gathering for social activities discreetly.

Islamic Perspective on Same-Sex Attraction
In Muslim societies, there are individuals who experience same-sex attraction but choose to follow Islamic teachings rather than identifying as part of the LGBT community.
If these individuals are not properly guided, they may be drawn into the LGBT lifestyle, which contradicts religious teachings.

LGBT Growth and Statistics
In Malaysia, JAKIM (the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) recorded that the gay population increased by nearly 100%, from 173,000 in 2013 to 310,000 in 2018.
Many LGBT individuals first become involved in same-sex relationships in boarding schools, particularly among boys aged 12 to 15 who are not yet mature enough to understand physical interactions.

Some victims of sexual abuse in boarding schools later develop an addiction to same-sex relationships, leading them to identify as gay.
The transgender population in Malaysia also increased from 10,000 in 1988 to 30,000 in recent years.

Social media plays a major role in spreading LGBT awareness among young people. Parents today are more worried about their children isolating themselves indoors rather than playing outside due to the influence of digital exposure.
Other contributing factors include parenting styles, lack of parental affection, being orphaned, bullying, being labeled as “soft” or “effeminate,” pornography, and social surroundings.

Islamic Efforts to Address the Issue
Despite the increasing prevalence of LGBT identities, JAKIM successfully helped 1,450 LGBT individuals "return to the right path" through the Mukhayyam program, which provides religious guidance.
JAKIM and other organizations continue to support these individuals through various programs and activities.

Scientific and Religious Perspectives on LGBT Identity
The American Psychological Association (APA) and World Health Organization (WHO) state that homosexuality is a natural variation of human sexuality, not a mental disorder or disease.
According to APA, homosexuality does not require "treatment" or "cure," but rather acceptance, understanding, and respect for individuals' identities.
Those who follow APA's stance typically believe in same-sex marriage and LGBT rights.
The rainbow flag has been widely used in various countries to openly symbolize LGBT pride.
Many Western celebrities publicly identify as gay, and numerous Hollywood films promote the normalization of homosexuality.

Islamic Teachings on Homosexuality
However, from an Islamic perspective, the LGBT lifestyle is considered deviant and contradicts Islamic teachings.
Several Quranic verses strongly prohibit homosexuality, such as:
Surah Al-Shu’ara: 165-166
Surah Al-Naml: 55
Surah Al-Ankabut: 29

There are also hadiths condemning homosexuality:
📖 Narrated by Ibn Abbas:
"Whoever you find committing the act of homosexuality, execute both the participants."
(Hadith narrated by Ahmad, No. 1875)

📖 The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
"Allah curses those who engage in the acts of the people of Lot (homosexuality). (He repeated this three times.)"
(Hadith narrated by Ahmad, No. 2913)

Conclusion
The Muslim ummah (community) unanimously agrees that same-sex relations are a major sin and a serious crime.
However, scholars differ in opinion on the punishment, whether it should be Hudud (fixed Islamic punishment) or Ta’zir (discretionary punishment).
While Western psychology sees homosexuality as normal, Islam categorically prohibits it based on the Quran and Hadith.
The increasing LGBT population requires a strong response through religious education, social guidance, and family awareness to help individuals stay aligned with Islamic teachings.

Date of Input: 26/05/2026 | Updated: 26/05/2026 | ayna