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Can a Girl Kiss a Girl in Islam?

Published in Islamic Sexuality 3 mins read

No, kissing another girl on the lips is generally not permitted in Islam. While some interpretations allow for non-sexual kisses between close female relatives or friends on the cheek or head, lip-to-lip contact is considered makruh tahrimi (strongly discouraged) or even haram (forbidden) by many Islamic scholars. The permissibility of any physical contact hinges on the absence of sexual intent and the relationship between the individuals.

Different Types of Kisses and Islamic Views

The permissibility of kissing in Islam depends heavily on context and intent:

  • Kisses between close female relatives: Kisses on the cheek or head between close female relatives are generally acceptable, provided they are free from any sexual connotations.
  • Kisses between female friends: Similar to close female relatives, some scholars may permit non-sexual kisses between close female friends, but this isn't universally accepted. The emphasis remains on the absence of lustful intent.
  • Lip-to-lip kisses between women: This is generally considered makruh tahrimi or haram, regardless of intent, due to potential for sexual implications and the overall avoidance of same-sex affection in Islamic teachings.

Important Considerations:

  • Absence of sexual intent: All physical contact in Islam should be devoid of sexual desires.
  • Relationship between individuals: The relationship between the people involved greatly influences the permissibility of physical contact. Close family members often have more leeway compared to unrelated individuals.
  • Scholarly interpretations: Different Islamic schools of thought and individual scholars may have varying interpretations.

Several sources emphasize that same-sex affections are not promoted in Islam, and physical intimacy should be reserved for a husband and wife within the bounds of marriage.

Example: A mother kissing her daughter's forehead is generally acceptable, whereas a lip-to-lip kiss between unrelated women is not.

References:

  • A reference from June 6th, 2022 states that kissing on the head, hands or cheek between female friends is permissible if devoid of lust. Lip kisses, leg or private area kisses are not permitted.
  • Numerous Quora and Islam Stack Exchange answers highlight the general prohibition of same-sex affection and kissing on the lips, regardless of gender.
  • IslamQA.info specifically addresses the prohibition of lip-to-lip kisses between women.

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