What is the punishment for lesbianism in this world and the hereafter, and is it permissible to use more deterrent punishments since there is no specific Sharia-prescribed Hadd penalty for it?
The worldly punishment for lesbianism is a discretionary punishment (ta'zir) determined by the judge. The scholars have unanimously agreed that those who commit this act should be punished with a discretionary punishment, either severely or lightly, depending on the circumstances and the prevalence of the indecency. As for the punishment in the hereafter, scholars have considered this sin to be one of the major sins. Whoever does not avoid major sins is in great danger. Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated from Salim bin Abdullah bin Umar, who said regarding a woman who mounts another woman: "They will meet Allah, and they will both be considered as fornicators." The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, also considered this sin a cause for the destruction of nations and the ruin of societies, saying: "When my Ummah permits six things, destruction will befall them: when cursing becomes widespread among them, when they drink alcoholic beverages, when they wear silk, when they acquire singing slave-girls, when men content themselves with men, and women content themselves with women."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 20820
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
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