Q: I am a young eighteen year old Muslim from an Arab country, which is not important to mention. My problem lies in the fact that the act of homosexuality was performed against me. This abominable act of the people of Lot was done against me before I reached the age of puberty by a relative of mine. All praise be to Allah that I have been raised according to the teachings of Islam under the auspices of my parents who are pious, although none can verify this but Allah. I know that the Had (ordained punishment for violating Allah’s Law) fixed for homosexuality is execution; however, none but Allah knows that I was wronged and molested. The reason I now live in Britain is that I have been successful in my studies, so I have been sent abroad by my government after completing my secondary education.My question is: what should I do? My father knows nothing about the accident, should I inform him of it? Now I study in Britain, but I fear Allah's punishment, though I was an unaware child when my relative molested me, and this fear causes me to neglect my studies. I also have a sense of inferiority, feeling that I don't deserve to live, and that everyone is better than me. I am confused all the time and my hands shake. Now, (Part No. 24; Page No. 352) these feelings of guilt and fear may lead me to be a failure with regard to my study. Also, I fear to meet Allah (Exalted be He). I think that remaining in Britain is better for me than returning to my homeland. This is because I expected to be a failure before I was sent abroad for study in Britain. Do I have to inform my family about my story? Should I return from Britain to give myself up to the judiciary authority for the Had prescribed for homosexuality to be imposed on me? It is worth mentioning that I am saved from homosexuality and I will never commit it again. I think it is pointless to administer the Had fixed for homosexuality on me to prevent the spread of such evil practice. Moreover, I perform the obligatory prayers and obligatory acts of worship. Also, I advise my colleagues and warn them against sins such as fornication, the abandonment of prayer, and other acts of worship. Personally, I feel regret for the abominable practice committed against me. After being informed of my story, I would be grateful if you could guide me to what I should do. May Allah reward you, as you will save a life which is near to death. As you know, when one saves a life, it is as if one has saved all of humanity. All praise be to Allah, despite all this my strong belief prevents me from thinking of committing suicide, as suicide is eternal damnation. However, I can say nothing but to cry out: "Verily, distress has seized me and You are the most Merciful of all those who show mercy."

A: If the case is as you have mentioned, there is no sin on you. We ask Allah to accept your repentance as a fulfillment to His Truthful Promise when He (Exalted be He) states: And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death). (Part No. 24; Page No. 353) Also, Allah (Glorified be He) states: Verily, Allâh forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills We advise you not to inform your parents about what happened, lest there should be dreadful consequences. Also, you should not tell anyone about your story. You must keep it a secret between Allah and you. May Allah pardon you along with those whom Allah described in His Statement: And those who, when they have committed Fâhishah (illegal sexual intercourse) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allâh and ask forgiveness for their sins; - and none can forgive sins but Allâh - and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know. For such, the reward is Forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allâh’s Orders). Moreover, you must abandon any idea of suicide as Allah states: And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allâh is Most Merciful to you. You should know that thinking of suicide is a whisper of the Satan, who wants you to commit another crime when he knows that you turned to Allah with sincere repentance concerning your previous sins and is desperate to tempt you to commit sins again. So, you have to seek refuge in Allah from the Cursed Satan (Part No. 24; Page No. 354) and follow the way of goodness and knowledge with dignity and strong determination. Nothing of the previous sins will do you any harm as long as you gave up such sins and turned to Allah with sincere repentance, seeking Allah's pleasure and fearing His punishment: ...and whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him. That is the Command of Allâh, which He has sent down to you; and whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will expiate from him his sins, and will enlarge his reward. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.