1. Sexual Ethics Prepared and presented by: Nada Roude, Islamic Educator/Trainer. At the Catholic Education Office, Lismore. 31 st August,2006

2. Islam-the natural and complete way of life Islam provides a complete guide for its followers to achieve peace, happiness and tranquillity in this world and the hereafter. The quran makes injunctions that enables Muslim to live in accordance with these laws. It makes clear the permissible (halal) and the forbidden (haram)

3. Morals and manners Islamic teachings stress the importance of morals, manners and etiquettes on all aspects of life for the individual and the community. The Quran and the Sunnah highlights the importance of education on sexual relations, matrimonial life as part of Islamic teachings.

4. Examples of injunctions in the Quran and Sunnah In Surah Al-Nisa (The Women) Allah says: –O people, keep your duty to your Lord, who created you from a single being and creates its mate of the same kind, and spread from these many men and women. And keep your duty to Allah, by whom you demand one of another (your rights), and to the ties of relationship. Surely Allah is ever a watcher over you. (4:1) Qur’an.

5. The Quran states: In Surah Al-Room (The Romans) Allah states: –And among His signs in this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are signs for those who reflect.(30:21) –The Quran stresses the importance of marriage.

6. Importance of marriage Allah states in Surah Al-Noor (The Light): –Marry off any single persons among you, as well as your honourable servants and maids. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them from his bounty. Allah is boundless, aware. (24:32) –People are asked to put their trust in the creator who is the provider for all their needs. –One should steer away from wealth, position, and status, and place his trust in Allah.

7. Hadith The prophet assured people Allah’s help if they wish to get married and live a pure and clean life. The Hadith… “ Three groups of people Allah obliged himself to help them: 1.One who endeavours in the course of Allah 2.A worker to pay his debts 3.And the one who wants to marry to live a chaste life.” (Narrated by Tirmizi)

8. Islam encourages marriage The prophet encouraged people to get married as soon as they are able to assume responsibility in marriage life. He said… “O young people! Whoever can assume the responsibility let him get married as it helps him to cast down his gaze and protect his private organs; and whoever cannot he should fast as it is a protection for him.” (Narrated by Ibn Massood)

9. Islam prohibits sexual relations outside marriage life Sexual relations are forbidden before and after marriage. Adultery and fornication are a great sin and the persons caught receive a penalty. The act of marriage receive the blessings and rewards as it is seen as a form of worship. There are rules and regulations as to how, how often, where, and when to enjoy matrimonial life. Copyright © 2006