A Muslim perspective of alternative sexual behavior

Muhsin, Sayyed Mohamed (2026) A Muslim perspective of alternative sexual behavior. In: The Routledge International Handbook of Sex Therapy and Religion. ROUTLEDGE INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOKS . Routledge - Taylor & Francis Group, New York, pp. 326-339.

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Abstract

BDSM, an acronym for Bondage, Dominance, Sadism, and Masochism, refers to consensual practices involving power dynamics, control, and physical restraint, often aimed at erotic pleasure. While it is viewed by some as a personal sexual preference, BDSM raises significant ethical, psychological, and sociocultural concerns, especially from an Islamic perspective. This chapter seeks to explore BDSM within the framework of Islamic teachings, focusing on the three essential components of the Islamic worldview: Iman (faith), Fiqh (jurisprudence), and Akhlaq (morality). BDSM practices conflict with the maqasid al-shariah (higher objectives of Shariah), particularly in terms of intimacy, dignity, and fitrah (natural human disposition). Islamic law emphasizes the protection of life, mental health, and human dignity, all of which are compromised by BDSM due to its potential for physical harm, psychological distress, and social disruption. The concept of privacy and modesty, central to Islamic sexual ethics, is violated by acts of public display or sharing of explicit details related to BDSM. Additionally, Islam prohibits all forms of harm, even if consensual, and promotes mutual respect, love, and mercy in relationships, especially in marriage. Practices that degrade dignity, expose the ‘awrah (private parts), or violate the principles of modesty and compassion are inconsistent with Islamic values. Therefore, BDSM is generally regarded as a sexual deviation that contradicts Islamic ethics, requiring medical and psychological intervention rather than acceptance or normalization. This chapter ultimately highlights the incompatibility of BDSM with the Islamic framework of preserving the objectives of Shariah, human dignity, health, modesty, primordial human nature, privacy, the prohibition of harm, and the covering of the ‘awrah.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Uncontrolled Keywords:	BDSM, Bondage, Dominance, Sadism, and Masochism, Iman (faith), Fiqh (jurisprudence), and Akhlaq (morality)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP173.44 Human Rights In Islam B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP174 The Practice of Islam B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP174 The Practice of Islam > BP175 Psychology of Islam
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr. Sayyed Mohamed Muhsin
Date Deposited:	09 Sep 2025 15:48
Last Modified:	09 Sep 2025 15:48
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/123077

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