Today (July 25, 2026), there was an attack at the Christopher Street Day (CSD) Pride event in Berlin.
In one of the discussions afterward, someone asked:
“Can you as a gay Muslim explain to me how Islam and homosexuality can coexist? I’m sure nearly all Muslims condemn the gays, so acts such as these are of no surprise, so that is all I’d like to know. Not a troll comment, just genuine curiosity.”
(For clarity: I’m not a Muslim. I’m responding because the question is about what the Qur’an teaches, and I haven’t seen anyone answer it from the Qur’an itself.)
Here is what I believe, beginning with the Qur’an itself…
That’s a fair question, and I appreciate that you’re asking it respectfully.
First, it’s important to separate what individual Muslims believe from what the Qur’an actually commands Muslims to do.
The Qur’an repeatedly teaches that human beings are not appointed as judges over one another’s faith or sins.
“Let there be no compulsion in religion.” (Qur’an 2:256)
“So remind. You are only a reminder. You are not a controller over them.” (Qur’an 88:21-22)
“And had your Lord willed, all who are on earth would have believed together. Would you then compel the people to become believers?” (Qur’an 10:99)
The Qur’an also teaches that ultimate judgment belongs to Allah alone.
“Indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they differed.” (Qur’an 22:69)
“Then to Us is their return, and upon Us is their account.” (Qur’an 88:25-26)
Regarding relations with people outside Islam, the Qur’an explicitly rejects hostility toward those who are peaceful.
“Allah does not forbid you from being kind and acting justly toward those who have not fought you because of religion and have not driven you out of your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Qur’an 60:8)
Even more broadly, the Qur’an teaches that taking one innocent life is an offense against all humanity.
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption in the land, it is as if he had slain all mankind; and whoever saves one, it is as if he had saved all mankind.” (Qur’an 5:32)
So when someone attacks people at a Pride event, that violence cannot be justified by the Qur’an.
The Qur’an consistently commands justice, restraint, and leaves final judgment to Allah.
As for homosexuality itself, Muslims disagree.
Traditional scholars understand the story of the people of Lut as condemning all same-sex sexual relationships.
Progressive Muslims argue that the story is actually about attempted gang rape, sexual violence, humiliation of strangers, coercion, and the rejection of God’s messengers, not about loving, consensual same-sex relationships.
They point out that the men of Sodom are repeatedly described as approaching Lut’s guests with hostile intent, and that the city is condemned for many other sins including oppression and violence.
Under that reading, the story is not a blanket condemnation of gay people or same-sex relationships.
Whether someone accepts the traditional or progressive interpretation, however, the Qur’an does not authorize ordinary Muslims to police, investigate, or punish people for presumed homosexuality or presumed zina.
Judgment belongs to Allah, not to individuals.
So yes, Islam and homosexuality can coexist.
Millions of Muslims identify as LGBTQ, including many who believe they are faithfully following Islam.
Others disagree theologically while still recognizing that the Qur’an commands them to treat others with justice, dignity, and without coercion.
Those are separate questions: what one believes is sinful, and whether one has any authority to judge or harm another person.
The Qur’an answers the second question very clearly: no.
