This book, The Islamic Perspective on Sex, discusses the Islamic approach to sex and how to satisfy sexual desires in the proper and beneficial way. Indeed, when conducted in the proper and lawful manner, sex may be elevated to the rank of worship. Thus a Muslim is rewarded for it in the same manner as he or she is rewarded when doing other good deeds.
Islam makes clear that the proper way to satisfy the sexual desire is within marriage. For the individual, marriage is necessary to achieve personal fulfilment, and for society it creates an environment of love and compassion. For humanity in general, marriage is the means to preserve mankind, and the proper way to maintain chastity and honour. It also serves to preserve human dignity for individuals and the community.
Islam views marriage as the way for both man and wife to achieve personal and emotional fulfilment and protect themselves against sinful practice. Yet we hear voices speaking against marriage and calling for free sex with total disregard to religious controls. Islam does not approve of free, uncontrolled sex. It requires its followers to maintain purity, chastity and faithfulness, and provides them with guidance that ensures they will stay on such a course. On the other hand, Islam does not approve of monastic celibacy or the disavowal of legitimate pleasures.
