In Iraq, like many other countries in the Middle East and North Africa, Islam is the dominant religion that has influenced society's culture, values, and norms for centuries. Marriage is considered a sacred act between a man and woman who are allowed to have sexual relations within marriage.
Any form of extramarital sex, such as premarital sex or homosexuality, is strictly forbidden. This article will explore how religious discourses on premarital sex shape sexual identity, intimate relationships, and social behavior in Iraq.
Before discussing premarital sex, it is necessary to understand how marriage functions in traditional societies. In Iraqi society, marriage is seen as a contract between two families rather than just two individuals. Arranged marriages were the norm until recently when couples could choose their partners themselves. The father of the bride and groom would negotiate terms and conditions of the marriage, including dowry, gifts, and properties. Women are still expected to obey their husbands and fulfill their roles as wives and mothers. Men must provide for their families financially and protect them physically. Premarital sex is considered immoral because it violates these traditions.
There is a growing trend towards dating, where men and women can meet each other outside of arranged marriages and choose their partners based on love and compatibility. Some parents even encourage this practice, especially if they think their children may not be compatible with someone chosen by family members. Dating allows couples to get to know each other better before committing to marriage. Many young people believe that dating is haram (forbidden), but some religious scholars disagree, arguing that it is permissible if there is no physical contact.
Premarital sex is still taboo in Iraqi culture and carries significant consequences. Girls who engage in premarital sex risk being stigmatized or ostracized from their communities. Boys who have sex with non-virgin girls risk facing social repercussions, such as divorce or violence. Pregnant unwed girls often face pressure to marry the man who impregnated them. This can lead to early marriages, which is against international laws on child protection. Religious leaders condemn premarital sex as sinful and say it corrupts morality and leads to promiscuity. It also disrespects the sanctity of marriage, seen as a sacred institution between two individuals committed to each other forever.
The consequences of having sex outside of marriage are severe, including shaming, isolation, and punishment. Women who become pregnant out of wedlock may be forced into marriage, leading to an increased number of early marriages. Men who father children without marrying the mother may be fined or imprisoned for adultery. Parents may force their daughters into arranged marriages, even though many women reject this practice.
Islamic law states that homosexuality is a crime punishable by death, and the government has not decriminalized same-sex relationships. Some Muslim scholars argue that homosexuality is a mental illness that requires treatment; others claim it is immoral and forbidden by God's law. In 2019, Baghdad's security forces arrested 43 men on charges of sodomy in one of the country's most significant crackdowns on LGBTQ people since Saddam Hussein's rule. The community faces widespread discrimination, intimidation, and violence, forcing many to flee abroad.
Religious discourses on premarital sex shape sexual identity, intimate relationships, and social behavior in Iraq. Premarital sex is still taboo but becoming more common due to dating and changing attitudes towards love and romance. Homosexuality remains criminalized despite international pressure to decriminalize. These laws and norms create a challenging environment for young people trying to express themselves freely and pursue happiness. Religious leaders must work with secular authorities to promote tolerance, acceptance, and understanding to ensure everyone can enjoy their basic human rights.
In Iraq, how do religious discourses on premarital sex shape sexual identity, intimate relationships, and social behavior?
Religious discourses on premarital sex often shape sexual identity, intimate relationships, and social behaviors by emphasizing the importance of abstinence until marriage and the consequences of breaking these norms. In Iraq, many communities adhere to traditional Islamic beliefs about sexuality that consider sexual relations outside of marriage as sinful and immoral.