Letter: Islam and homosexuality

Tue, 04/01/2008 12:15 PM  |  Reader's Forum

I would like to respond The Jakarta Post's headline published March 28, titled "Islam 'recognizes homosexuality'".

According to Musdah Mulia who interpreted the Holy Koran's Al-Hujurat (49:3), as the Post quoted her, "There is no difference between lesbians and non-lesbians because, in the eyes of God, people are valued based on their piety".

I have checked the holy Koran and there is no such interpretation, either of homosexuality or equality. The Koran tells us how to respect Muhammad, the Prophet.

I quote Al-Hujurat (49:3): "Verily* Those who lower their voices in the presence of the messenger of Allah, they are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for piety. For them is forgiveness and a great reward."

So who made the mistake with the interpretation? The reporter of the Post, or Musdah Mulia? Please correct me if I'm wrong, and if this is an error in the article I would like to ask the Post to correct them as well.

MARAH SAKTI SIREGAR
Bekasi, West Java

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