The story of Lot and the Qur'(a)over-barn's perception of the morality of same-sex sexuality

Discussion of the morality of same-sex sexuality in Islam is beginning to c ome to the forefront. It is a controversial topic that; evokes differing vi ews in Islam and, as such, needs to be addressed and understood. This study narrows the scope of the investigation to the use of moral terminology in the Lot story and elsewhere in the Qur'(a) over barn. The method of semanti c analysis that shall be applied is similar to the one espoused by Toshihik o Izutsu. In order to acquire a better understanding of how same-sex practices are qu alified morally in the Qur'(a) over barn, same-sex activities shall also be looked at in comparison to other opposite-sex and non-sexual practices. it is my contention that, in the Qur'(a) over barn, same-sex practices are vi ewed Ilo differently from certain opposite-sex and non-sexual activities. In quoting from the Qur'(a) over barn, I will give my own translation of th e Arabic terms that shall be analyzed. In general, however, I adopt Qur'(a) over bar nic passages from Arthur J. Arberry, The Koran,l Interpreted, and where necessary, modify Qur'(a) over bar nic passages with my own translat ions, I will also use Arberry's verse numbering, following that of Flugel. (C) 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.