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Muslim Lust
Muslim Lust This is an article posted by Abdul Rashid a member Ottawa Muslim community in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Sunday, August 28, 2011, and a member of the Christian-Muslim Dialogue and the Capital Region Interfaith Council is in answer to the Muslim lust question “Are lascivious thoughts immoral if not acted upon?” Christians consider to dwell on lascivious thoughts is in fact a sin whereas Muslims consider if only when the thought is acted upon, it is then sinful.
The Islamic view is that we are not really responsible for our thoughts. Our moral sense may cause an embarrassment at bad thoughts, but we become culpable only when a bad thought is put into practice. In contrast, we are told that our Merciful God will reward us for every good thought and further reward will be added when we put our good intention into action.
While we have no control over our thoughts, we can learn to manage and guide our thoughts. A Muslim scholar suggests that we must counter thoughts that can lead to immorality with thoughts that lead to moral deeds. He warns that bad thoughts can become ideas, which turn into desires and ultimately, resolutions and actions. For Muslims, this month provides an excellent opportunity to learn this. It is the month of fasting, Ramadan. God Almighty says in the Holy Koran that “fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self restraint” (2.193) Other translations from the original Arabic include “you might remain conspicuous of God,” “you may learn piety”. The Holy Prophet of Islam said: “One who does not give up falsehood and acting on it, God has no need for him to give up his food and drink.” To avoid lascivious and other such thoughts, Muslims are advised to spend time in prayer and remberance and glorification of the Lord. These practices are increased during the month of fasting. When these are coupled with the desire to help the poor and needy of the world, it may leave little time for evil thoughts.
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