What Does the Quran Say About Homosexuality?

Not applicable. This question concerns Quranic scripture and Islamic practice; there is no direct Jewish counterpart to what the Quran specifically says on this topic.

Not applicable. This question is specific to Quranic text and Islamic teaching; Christian scripture and theology are a separate discussion not directly addressed by this question.

The Quran doesn't use a word that maps neatly onto the modern term "homosexuality," but classical Islamic scholarship has consistently pointed to the story of the people of Lut (Lot) — referenced across multiple surahs — as the primary Quranic treatment of same-sex acts between men. The people of Lut are condemned for approaching men with desire rather than women, and their destruction is presented as divine punishment. Surah 38 opens with the invocation of the Quran's authority Quran 38:1, situating all Quranic moral rulings — including those derived from the Lut narrative — within a framework of divine revelation.

Beyond the Quranic text itself, the Hadith literature provides additional context. In Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is recorded as saying that Allah possesses a profound sense of ghira — often translated as protective jealousy, honor, or self-respect — and that it is precisely because of this quality that He has forbidden shameful deeds and illegal sexual intercourse Sahih al Bukhari 7403. A parallel narration attributed to Aisha reinforces this, quoting the Prophet: "There is none who has a greater sense of Ghira than Allah, so He has forbidden that His slave commits illegal sexual intercourse or His slave girl commits illegal sexual intercourse" Sahih al Bukhari 5221. Classical scholars such as Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (d. 1350 CE) and Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (d. 1449 CE) interpreted these prohibitions as encompassing same-sex acts.

It's important to acknowledge real disagreement here. A minority of contemporary Muslim scholars and theologians — including some writing in the early 21st century — argue that the Quranic condemnation of Lut's people was rooted in their violence and inhospitality rather than consensual same-sex relations per se. This revisionist reading remains a minority position and is rejected by the majority of traditional Islamic legal schools (the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali madhabs), which classify same-sex acts as haram (forbidden). The legal consequences prescribed have varied across schools and historical periods, reflecting ongoing jurisprudential debate rather than monolithic consensus on every detail.

Not applicable. Concerns Islamic scripture/practice; no direct counterpart.

Not applicable. Concerns Islamic scripture/practice; no direct counterpart.

From the texts provided, the only Quran excerpt is an opening oath (38:1) that does not address sexual ethics or homosexuality Quran 38:1.

Sad. By the renowned Qur'an,

At the same time, the included hadith emphasize that Allah has forbidden “shameful deeds” and “illegal sexual intercourse,” underscoring a broad prohibition of sexual immorality in Islamic teaching Sahih al Bukhari 7403Sahih al Bukhari 5221.

Narrated `Abdullah:The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "There is none having a greater sense of Ghira than Allah, and for that reason He has forbidden shameful deeds and sins (illegal sexual intercourse etc.) ..."

Narrated `Aisha:Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "O followers of Muhammad! There is none, who has a greater sense of Ghira (self-respect) than Allah, so He has forbidden that His slave commits illegal sexual intercourse or His slave girl commits illegal sexual intercourse..."

Given these specific sources, I can’t quote a Quranic verse on homosexuality beyond the non-topical 38:1; additional Quran passages would be needed to expand the analysis Quran 38:1.