Why is sex such a controversial topic in the Muslim world?
It’s culture — it’s not Islam, whatsoever. Islam is a very liberal and progressive religion. It invites people to have sex, of course within the marital frame. Prophet Mohammed never showed any offense to anyone asking about sexuality. On the contrary, he responded to every single question. The thing is, the culture overwhelms this. What do you think about the in-your-face American approach to sex and sexuality? I’m totally against this. It’s harmful — sex loses its luster and its preciousness. God orders that sex remains precious, like a pearl — it’s not just for everyone. A balance has to be built: This is allowed, this is not allowed; this is halal, this is haram. Sex is one of the things that is forbidden before marriage and outside of marriage; on the other hand, it’s allowed within marriage with a lot, a lot of freedom. This creates a balance. In the American approach everything is allowed — you can have sex at any age, on any occasion. Who do you think is having better sex –
