The United Arab Emirates has been facing increasing pressure to modernize its laws governing sex and relationships, particularly regarding premarital sex, which is currently illegal under the UAE penal code. This has led to many discussions about how religious teachings influence young adults' perceptions of erotic desire, relational responsibility, and moral decision-making when it comes to their romantic lives. While these topics are often considered taboo in traditional Muslim societies, they have become more openly discussed in the UAE due to changing social attitudes and the growing popularity of digital media. In this article, I will explore how religious teachings shape young people's views on sex, love, and relationships, and how they make decisions that affect them.
Religious Teachings on Premarital Sex
The Islamic faith strongly discourages premarital sexual activity, considering it a sin punishable by Allah. The Quran states that marriage is the only legitimate outlet for intimacy between partners and that any other form of intimacy outside of marriage is forbidden.
This does not stop many young adults from engaging in premarital sex. As a result, there is often confusion among adolescents as to what constitutes acceptable behavior. Many Muslim families in the UAE follow conservative interpretations of Islam that prohibit even kissing or holding hands before marriage. These strict guidelines can create significant challenges for those who are trying to navigate their sexual desires within the context of their religion.
Erotic Desire
Despite the cultural stigma around premarital sex, studies show that many young Muslims still experience strong sexual urges and desires. They may feel conflicted about the way they feel and question whether these feelings are natural. Some believe that their desires indicate a lack of spiritual purity or that they are falling short of Allah's expectations. Others worry that fulfilling their desires will lead to sin or shame, leading to feelings of isolation and depression.
Relational Responsibility
Religious teachings also emphasize relational responsibility when it comes to premarital sex. Many young people feel a sense of duty towards their family, community, and society at large and believe that engaging in premarital sex would be dishonorable. This can lead to pressure to remain chaste until marriage and avoid relationships that could lead to intimacy.
Some see this pressure as unrealistic and feel that their needs should be considered equally alongside the needs of their parents or other authority figures.
Moral Decision-Making
Young adults in the UAE face moral choices related to sex daily.
They might wonder if it is acceptable to break off an engagement after discovering their partner has engaged in premarital sex. Should they accept the person despite their actions? What if both partners were single at the time? These complex questions highlight how religious teachings shape decision-making processes regarding sex and relationships.
Religious teachings on premarital sex profoundly impact how young adults perceive erotic desire, relational responsibility, and moral decision-making. They must navigate conflicting messages about their sexuality while balancing cultural norms and religious obligations. Understanding these pressures helps us better understand why so many young people struggle with their faith and relationships. As societies become more accepting of diverse perspectives on sexuality, we must recognize the challenges faced by those seeking to reconcile their personal desires with traditional values.
How do religious teachings on premarital sex in the UAE shape the way young adults perceive erotic desire, relational responsibility, and moral decision-making?
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), traditional religious teachings have shaped the way young adults view erotic desire, relational responsibility, and moral decision-making when it comes to premarital sex. The Islamic religion emphasizes modesty and chastity as core values that govern sexual behavior, which has led to strict norms governing relationships between unmarried men and women.