Sexual Ethics in Judaism and Islam (A Comparative Study(

Authors

  • Ali Rasheed Abdullah College of Education / Department of Religious Education / University of Duhok
  • Reveeng Tayeb Taher College of Education / Department of Religious Education / University of Duhok
  • mevan.mustafa@uod.ac College of Education / Department of Religious Education / University of Duhok

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66026/xcn9ea07

Keywords:

Sexual ethics, Jewish law, Islamic perspective, regulation of instinct, comparative study, deterrent punishments.

Abstract

This research presents a comprehensive comparative study of "sexual ethics" in Judaism and Islam, exploring the linguistic and terminological concepts of sexual ethics and the extent to which religious legislation emphasizes chastity, the preservation of human dignity, and the protection of society from deviance.

In the first section, the research focuses on Judaism, relying on the Torah and Talmud as primary sources of legislation. The study clarifies how Judaism regulated sexual relations, confining them to the sanctity of marriage for the purpose of procreation and the preservation of the species. It also establishes strict prohibitions against adultery, incest, and deviant practices such as sodomy and bestiality. This section further examines the severe punishments imposed by Jewish thought on those who transgress these boundaries, including execution and stoning, as a means of protecting society.

In the second section, the research highlights the Islamic perspective, based on the Quran and Sunnah as the two primary sources of ethics. It demonstrates how Islam balances the needs of the soul and the body, encouraging the facilitation of legitimate marriage as the sole and sacred framework for fulfilling natural instincts. Islam also prohibits all forms of immorality, such as adultery, sodomy, and lesbianism, and regulates human behavior through preventative measures like lowering one's gaze and avoiding temptations. The research concludes by explaining the system of deterrent punishments in Islam, which range from prescribed fixed penalties to discretionary punishments determined by the ruler according to the severity of the offense, with the aim of preserving lineage, honor, and the stability of society. In accordance with the requirements of the scientific method, this research is divided into an introduction, three main sections, and a conclusion.

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Published

2026-08-16