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?
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.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/46892
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 46892
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy