Region | Egypt
Kissing in public is not a sin, says Muslim writer
A Muslim writer, known for his unorthodox opinions, has raised the ire of Islamic scholars by declaring it is non-sinful for young people to exchange kisses and hugs in greetings.
- By Ramadan Al Sherbini, Correspondent
- Published: 00:10 March 15, 2008
- Image Credit:
- Let us admit it: we are weak creatures and when we hug or kiss in public, we do not commit a sin, says Al Banna. Image used for illustrative purpose only.
Cairo: A Muslim writer, known for his unorthodox opinions, has raised the ire of Islamic scholars by declaring it is non-sinful for young people to exchange kisses and hugs in greetings.
"Let us admit it: we are weak creatures and when we hug or kiss in public, we do not commit a sin," Jamal Al Banna, 84, told the privately owned Egyptian TV Al Saa (Hour) last week.
Al Banna is the younger brother of the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's banned but still the strongest opposition group.
Al Banna said he based his opinion on Islamic teachings, "which affirm that human beings are not angels, but they are human and can make mistakes".
He cited a Hadith that all humans err and the best of them are those who seek God's forgiveness.
"Now there are many youths who cannot afford to get married. Also, we must not disregard the fact that sexual desire is the strongest human instinct, and Islam cannot ignore such facts," Al Banna argued.
His view has drawn condemnation from Muslim scholars who accused him of promoting adultery.
"This is nonsense. Al Banna is not qualified to pass fatwas [religious edicts]," said Manae Mahmoud, a professor of Islamic jurisprudence at Al Azhar University.
"Prophet Mohammad [Peace Be Upon Him] has told our youths to get married if then can afford it. If not, they have to observe fasting, which protects the Muslim from sinning," he told Gulf News.
Promoting 'adultery'
"If Al Banna's view were adopted, adultery would spread," said Mahmoud.
Denying his view was tantamount to a fatwa, Al Banna said his opinion was based on some findings he gathered from research in Islam.
About two years ago, Al Banna raised eyebrows of many fellow Muslims by saying that smoking does not spoil fasting in the lunar month of Ramadan when Muslims abstain from food and drinking from dawn to sunset.
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