While Malays in general are uncomfortable talking about sex, its not always been obvious to many Malaysian Muslims that Islam is actually quite open and frank about it. A ton of literature written by a ton of Muslim clerics and learned scholars over the centuries, if compiled would make one hell of a sex manual. It would also probably leave you completely confused because everyone seems to have a different opinion over something related to sex.
For example, some clerics think you should keep your clothes on when you're making love to your wife. Some clerics say that anal sex is sinful, while others say its a cool form of contraceptive. Masturbation? Depending on which side of the River Nile you live on, you'll either be burned at the stake for "wagging the sausage" or you'll be praised for finding ways to relieve your sexual urges. Oral sex? Some clerics say its ok (perhaps their wives are great "oralists"?), some clearics say its prohibited because it wastes sperm.
On masturbation, this is particularly funny:
The "proven" medical effects of masturbation - which, of course, include damage to the eyesight - were once listed by Abd al-Aziz bin Baz, the late Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, and his list is reproduced on numerous Islamic websites. According to bin Baz, masturbation causes disruption of the digestive system, inflammation of the testicles, damage to the spine ("the place from which sperm originates"), and "trembling and instability in some parts of the body like the feet". In addition, there is a weakening of the "cerebral glands" leading to decreased intellect and even "mental disorders and insanity". Furthermore, "due to constant ejaculation, the sperm no more remains thick and dense as it normally occurs in males". This results in sperm which is not "mighty enough" to make a woman pregnant or produces children who are "more prone to disease and illness".
via Guardian Unlimited.
Who is right? Who do we listen to? Some may say that because we live in Malaysia, we follow the fatwa of Malaysian clerics and imams. But what if i were to move to Australia or the US/UK? Does that mean i follow their rulings? Can religion be as easy as that? If it is, then it shouldn't be. And if it isn't, then it doesn't make sense to live in another country but prescribe to the religious fatwas of a completely different community/country.
Supplementary question: if we are dependent on the fatwa of clerics to clear up the finer points of Islam, when do we use our aql to decide for ourselves? Perhaps its better not to even bother asking them when you have a question: their opinion is probably no better (re: scroll back above to revisit examples) than what your own rational mind can come up with.
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