Question
The inmate Jamaat at a prison (in the U.S.) had expelled a brother who was openly associating with homosexuals and there were strong indications that he was indulging in this evil. He was banned from participating in Jamaat Salaat and Ta'leem classes. He has now repented, but the brothers still do not want to accept him in the Jamaat. What is the Shariah's ruling for him? Should we consider him a Muslim?
Answer
Homosexuality despite the extremely grave nature of this abominable sin, is not kufr. As long as the man believes that his evil misdeed is haraam he remains a Muslim. To a greater degree is his Imaan valid when he says that he has repented. If he says that he has repented, then it is haraam to ostracize him. He has to be accepted into the Jamaat. No one has the right to prevent the repenter from being a member of the Jamaat. It is haraam to ban him from Jamaat Salaat and Ta'leem classes. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The sincere repenter of sins is like one who has no sins."
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 21 No 10
- PDF page
- 5
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).