In Iraq, religious authorities play an important role in shaping adolescent sexual behavior and moral decision-making. Religious leaders have a significant impact on how young people view sex and morality. Adherence to religious teachings can affect their attitudes towards sexual behavior, from premarital sex to extramarital affairs. This paper examines how religious beliefs shape teenage sexuality and morality in Iraq.
Religion has always played a crucial role in shaping sexual behavior and ethics. In Islamic culture, sex is considered a sacred act that should be confined within marriage. It is forbidden outside of this context because it is believed to lead to immoral acts such as fornication or adultery. Muslim clerics argue that sexual activity outside of marriage goes against Allah's will. Therefore, they encourage teenagers to avoid sexual contact before marriage, which they deem necessary for the preservation of family values and social order.
Despite these strict guidelines, some young Iraqi adults engage in premarital sex. Some parents accept it if both parties are consenting adults, while others condemn it as haram. Teens who practice premarital sex may face severe consequences ranging from being expelled from school to physical punishment by parents or community members. Religious leaders believe that teenagers who engage in premarital sex are immoral and must repent.
There are those who promote monogamy and faithfulness in marriage. They argue that cheating, promiscuity, and infidelity go against the Quran's teachings and bring shame upon families.
The practice of polygamy remains common among religious leaders. Some men take more than one wife without their partner's knowledge, creating emotional distress and instability within the household. This contradictory view creates confusion and uncertainty about what is expected of them regarding relationships and intimacy.
Religious authorities also have an impact on homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and LGBTQ+ rights. In Iraq, gay people often face persecution and stigma because Islam forbids male-male sexual relations. Some scholars interpret this verse to mean that any form of same-sex activity is unacceptable, including bisexuality and transgenderism. Therefore, many Muslim clerics oppose legalizing same-sex marriages and consider them a threat to traditional values.
Religious authority plays a crucial role in shaping adolescent sexual behavior and moral decision-making. Young people grow up with strict guidelines regarding how they should behave in matters related to sex and relationships. Despite these rules, some young adults still engage in premarital sex, which can lead to expulsion from school or physical punishment. Religious leaders believe in monogamy and condemn infidelity but often practice it themselves by taking multiple wives without informing their spouses.
Homosexuals face discrimination and stigma due to the belief that such activities are immoral.
How does religious authority influence adolescent sexual behavior and moral decision-making in Iraq?
Religious authority plays a significant role in shaping adolescent sexual behavior and moral decision-making in Iraq. According to several studies, religious leaders have a significant impact on their followers' perception of what is considered morally acceptable and what isn't when it comes to sex. This can lead to conflicting messages about sexuality, as different religions may have different teachings regarding sexual behavior and intimacy.