In Jordan, premarital sex is considered forbidden under Islamic law. This has influenced both public opinion and private behavior regarding intimate relations between unmarried individuals. Despite this norm, however, there are varying levels of acceptance among different groups in society. The religious institution plays an important role in guiding the population's views on morality and ethics when it comes to romantic relationships before marriage. The Quran explicitly prohibits adultery, which includes extramarital affairs that happen within marriage. Premarital sex is therefore seen as violating religious teachings and social expectations alike. In addition to being forbidden in Islam, premarital sex can also bring shame upon families and communities.
The social perception of intimacy differs according to age group and region.
Young people tend to be more liberal about dating and sexuality than older generations.
Urban areas may have different attitudes towards love and physical expression than rural ones. People living in cities often value privacy and individualism more than those in small towns or villages. Nonetheless, most Jordanians agree that physical intimacy should be reserved for marriage.
When it comes to moral reasoning, many Jordanians believe that God will judge their actions in the afterlife based on how they lived on earth. Therefore, any sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful and wrong.
Some interpretations of Islam allow certain exceptions such as engaging in consensual relations with a spouse while traveling abroad or if both partners are illiterate and cannot understand what they are doing. These exemptions create ambiguity around premarital sex and lead to conflicting beliefs about right and wrong behavior.
There is no straightforward answer to how religious norms regulate premarital sexual behavior in Jordan. While many followers of Islam hold conservative views on this issue, others see it differently depending on personal circumstances and local customs. What remains clear is that physical affection between unmarried individuals continues to be taboo in much of society even though attitudes may slowly evolve over time.
How do religious norms in Jordan regulate premarital sexual behavior, moral reasoning, and social perception of intimacy?
In Jordan, religious norms play an important role in regulating premarital sexual behavior, moral reasoning, and social perception of intimacy. According to Islamic teachings, sex is only permissible within marriage and any form of physical contact outside of it is considered haram (forbidden). This cultural expectation is reinforced through various institutions such as mosques, schools, and families, which emphasize traditional values of modesty and chastity.