Thanks for your feedback, and I’m sorry to know my words caused you hurt. At the same time, I would suggest not to take things personally, when what was intended was an analysis of someone else’s reported claim (that “homosexuality is a disease”), and on the whole I was disputing that way of talking about it.

I would also respectfully draw your attention to two matters concerning my point about it possibly being a “symptomatic of a disease of the heart”:

1. The distinction between psychological and spiritual is not absolute, as your reply suggested. The two are intimately linked. Indeed, in Arabic they refer to psychologists as “scientists/doctors of the Nafs”, which is exactly how we refer to the soul in Islamic contexts. The Sufi heritage contains a great deal of what would now be termed psychology.

2. I mean no disrespect when I state clearly that being a pious, practising Muslim does not guarantee being free of diseases of the heart. I too am a practising Muslim, yet I know very well that my heart is very full of diseases, which I must struggle to purify it from. This is nothing specific to the affliction of same-sex attraction. May Allah grant us purity of heart in this most blessed of months, ameen.

I’m not sure what you’re referring to here as SSA. Same-sex attractions are not any sort of “lifestyle”. If you are talking about a lifestyle or actions based on such attractions, then no doubt they are forbidden by our religion and it really doesn’t matter whether they’re “Western” or whatever.

If you mean simply the inner feelings and temptations, then I fully agree that people should not be treated any differently for having them, but I also don’t see any need – under normal circumstances – for them to declare such feelings openly and seek acceptance on that basis.

I don’t think I’ve ever condemned anyone for struggling, in fact struggle (spiritual jihad) is central to the message we promote.

I may criticise some people’s choices, but only in order to argue for the path that leads to God’s pleasure. Muslims want good for their brethren in faith and for all people.

An accurate eye will note that my opprobrium above is reserved for people trying to twist the teachings of faith, rather than conform to them.

I agree on what you have said.SSA people need to be loved and accepted by their muslim community.I live in Egypt where people think ssa is a western life style.I once asked a very cultured muslim scholar about my issue with ssa,he replied me that ssa is a deviation that the western countries has exported it to us.This scholar is currently living in London.It hurts as you can feel.
But if muslims could know that ssa is as old as humanity and there were many ssa people during the time of the Prophet ,that would change their perspective on ssa.

Mr.Rasheed Eldin wrote the following sentence:

“Spiritually, SSA could also be described as symptomatic of a “disease of the heart”

[edited]

“Spiritually, SSA could also be described as symptomatic of a “disease of the heart”

Mr.Rashed Eldin,I am a muslim guy with SSA.I am 28 years old and I have these SSA since I was 4 years old.I consider myself a pious muslim Alhamdullah and I pray all the 5 prayers mostly in Jamaa in masjid and I read Quran daily.I am close to Islam and close Allah teachings all my entire life and moreover I do NOT have a disease in my heart.
Being ssa does NOT mean having a disease in my heart.It’s a psychological matter not spiritual.
I am extremely hurt by your words and this is the second time someone from your community/followers to describe me having a disease in my heart although I am sure I don’t.

Homoseual acts are highly illegal in almost all Islamic countries – rightly so. This site is helping to save brothers from getting involved in criminal acts, taking on a “gay” identity, catching diseases and being despised by their community and being punished if caught.

I particularly like your analogy about the boats with the hole (though it was made by Al-Khidr, not Musa, peace be upon them). It’s a really good way to think of the situation. May Allah bless you always.