How can the phenomenon of homosexuality in animals be explained—despite our belief that homosexuality is against the natural disposition (fitra) upon which God created humankind—and does this mean that homosexuality is not against the natural disposition (fitra) of these animals?

The phenomenon of homosexuality in animals has been addressed by scholars, both recently and in the past. Modern research is extensive and mentions speculative reasons such as genetic defects, a shortage of females, or play and experimentation. As for earlier times, scholars mentioned this phenomenon, and it is stated in Al-Qurtubi's Tafsir (exegesis) that a donkey is not to be eaten because it "mounted a male and committed sodomy." There is no problem with the actions of animals, for good and bad, and lawful and unlawful, are specific to those who are accountable [i.e., human beings]. Animals are not accountable and have no intellect, and thus their actions are not described as bad or good or as a sin.