ISLAM: SODOMY IS OK, AS LONG AS THE PARTNER CONSENTS

French-Algerian Scholar and Author Dr. Malek Chebel: 'Islam is the Only Monotheistic Religion That Advocates Free and Spontaneous Access to Sexuality'

The French monthly Afrique Magazine conducted an interview with Algerian scholar and author Dr. Malek Chebel following the publishing of his latest book, The Arab Kama Sutra. In the interview, the author claims that the puritan tendency in Islam is a recent innovation, and that classic Islamic literature freely treated not only romantic love, but also sex and eroticism. He also discusses his views on the veil, pleasure marriages, honor crimes, polygamy, and ritual purity.

The following are excerpts:(1)

"Sexuality is a Gift From God"

"...The Arab erotologists in the Middle Ages had a keen knowledge of sexuality. On some points I was able to assert that they themselves were inspired by the Indian Kama Sutra. There are several common elements in their writings: the role of etiquette and courteousness in romantic relations... the importance of the genitals, etc. But I did not just stick to the Kama Sutra... I summarized 2000 years of erotic Arab literature...

"Islam is the only monotheistic religion that advocates free and spontaneous access to sexuality. One never finds in Muslim texts any condemnation or diminution of sexuality. Just because we have been a state of decadence for the last two centuries does not mean that we should consider the totality of the [Islamic] doctrine decadent. [This doctrine] is quite explicit: Sexuality is a gift from God, so go ahead, in all of the possible and legitimate ways, and without holding back. The only constraint is the partner's consent. In a pinch, even sodomy may be permitted, if the partner consents. Masturbation too... I am neither an ideologue nor a moralist. I just describe what I see, without obfuscation..."

...

How about camels, donkey, sheep, goats?!?!?

Pertinent Links:

1) 'Islam is the Only Monotheistic Religion That Advocates Free and Spontaneous Access to Sexuality'

2) MEMRI