EVEN if a person has committed a sin, his or her rights cannot be denied, Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin said today as the LBGT community gains the spotlight this week.

He said according to the teachings of Islam, a person may have committed the sin of homosexuality, adultery, drinking alcohol, gambling or others but his or her rights to education, employment, justice, to own property and do business must not be denied.

“That includes the LGBT people whose rights should not be denied as long as they do not violate the laws.

“On the basis of justice, all parties are equal in the eyes of the law,” he said on Facebook today.

Asri said a Muslim who committed homosexuality is not expelled from the faith, but simply becomes a sinner like others who have sinned.

“Committing sin does not make one an infidel. So, like all other sinners, God’s forgiveness is still available to them.

“As Muslims, they are entitled to give advice, exchange greetings, visit the sick, accept invitations, send off the dead and others. Regardless of faith, they are also entitled to seek help when injured or threatened.

“These rights among Muslims and among men were mentioned by the Prophet in the Quran and hadith.”

Asri is speaking after Numan Afifi, an aide to the new Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, came under attack after it became known that he was an activist for the LGBT cause.

The anti-LGBT attacks led Numan to quit as the minister’s media officer. Numan was the organiser of the Pride Day buka puasa event last year. https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/74442

“The LGBT issue is gaining attention in Malaysia. This may be a new experience to those who are not exposed to news from outside the country.

“The championing of the rights of LGBT communities is not new in the world, in particular in the West. The number of LGBT people and their sympathisers are growing,” Asri said.

The mufti said objections to the LBGT were only allowed if vice was openly committed and caused trouble to others.

One may also object to campaigns openly promoting LBGT activities, but it must be done without causing harm to others, he said.

However, if homosexuality is practised privately, Muslims should look the other way, he said.

Asri said although homosexuality is a sin, accusing others of the practice is a big sin because Islam forbids Muslims from purposely looking to find the personal sins of others.

“Having sexual relations with someone of the same sex is against the natural disposition and the religion. 

“But Islam also forbids us from accusing another of having same-sex intercourse, just as it is forbidden for us to accuse another of being gay or committing adultery.

“We are asked to avoid receiving confessions of unnatural sex. This is because Islam does not want such (private) matters to be exposed,” he said. 

Asri said the Prophet Muhammad himself had rejected handling cases of personal sin.

“If there are those who admit they have committed adultery or homosexuality, we should disregard them. That is their private business with God.

“We are told not to spy on or look for the personal sins of others. We are told to shield one’s personal sins.”

He said one may also find reward in work to convince the LBGT person to return to the right path.

“We must explain to them that Islam rejects unnatural sex, but at the same time the religion recognises humanity and brotherhood among Muslims.

“Islam always gives hope for people to return to God with love and repentance. Islam does not make people lose hope,” Asri said. – July 11, 2018.