Life and Religion

Young people who fled their homeland have been gathered in a refugee camp. All are young adults, ranging from 20 to 40 years old. The camp accommodates 4,000 people and is mostly filled with these young Muslims from Africa and Asia.

Unwanted pregnancies, with unknown fathers, and sexually transmitted infections from unregulated sexual activity, have become a pressing issue. The organization responsible for resettlement was forced to organize a course on sexual ethics and proper practices.

It became necessary to bring in skilled translators who could bridge the cultural gap between these refugees and the host community.

The course was titled “Sex Education.” The Western methods of teaching, such as using explicit videos or films, were not suitable. The task fell to a team that was keen on respecting the refugees' beliefs and culture while implementing necessary regulations.

To address the course in a culturally and religiously appropriate manner, we proposed an approach grounded in Islamic teachings. We conducted a religious review of the subject. We discovered that during the time of Prophet Muhammad, there were women who directly discussed issues of sexual misconduct with the Prophet, and some who complained about it.

We found that Islamic texts are rich with guidelines on sexual conduct, known as “أداب الجماع” (The Etiquette of Sexual Relations). The issue of unwanted children was among the most compelling topics. We collected relevant sources.

Despite our efforts to present written material that was both authoritative and non-damaging from a religious perspective, the course ultimately failed. Even providing Islamic references was rejected. Consequently, the result was that every two months a Muslim girl faced unwanted pregnancy.

Every six months, a boy and a girl are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, or are already suffering from it. Every 30 days, a girl is raped. Children are born without known fathers or claimants.

Sometimes, ignorance of our noble religion results in consequences that are far from desirable. It is disheartening to see a mother from whom a child is taken away, as she cannot assume responsibility. A foreign family is then placed in the course, in accordance with regulations.

It is even more distressing when the refugee camp erupts with religious groups forming, causing turmoil hour by hour. Divorce and unregulated sexual activity become rampant. There is a lack of divine and practical solutions. Imagine an entire nation and society living under such conditions!

Written by: Abdiaziiz Mohamed Shidane

Translated by: Shiimaay yare