Back to search

What is the punishment for lesbianism in this world and the hereafter, and does the sin differ if the woman is married or unmarried, or if the relationship is physical or over the phone?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The preponderant opinion is that lesbianism (sihāq) does not incur the prescribed punishment (ḥadd) for adultery (zinā), but it is forbidden (ḥarām). Its perpetrator is punished in this world with a painful disciplinary measure (adab mūji‘), such as flogging or imprisonment, to deter and restrain the public, and because the one who commits it is not free from deviance and a perversion of natural disposition (fiṭra). As for the Hereafter, its perpetrator is in great peril if she does not repent with sincere repentance. There is no difference in the punishment for lesbianism between a married woman (muḥṣana) and others. Illicit relationships, whether direct or via telephone, are forbidden, but direct contact is more dangerous. One must avoid every relationship that violates the law of Allah.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy