I have a couple friends who are Muslims. They openly accept gay people as part of society. I, as a devoted Muslims, do not accept them into society. I would appreciate it if I could get a Fatwa on how to treat gays in a non-Muslim society without being disrespectful.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

As for the best way to deal with those cursed people (homosexuals), you should give them advice, condemn their sinful acts, reject what they are doing, call them to the way of Allaah and show them the dangers resulting from practising the horrible sin of sodomy. This is the way Prophet Loot used to deal with those cursed people as Allaah Says (which means): {And [We had sent] Loot when he said to his people, “Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds [i.e. peoples]? Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people.”}[Quran 7:80-81].   In another verse He Says (which means): {The people of Loot denied the messengers. When their brother Loot said to them, “Will you not fear Allaah? Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger. So fear Allaah and obey me. And I do not ask you for it any payment. My payment is only from the Lord of the worlds. Do you approach males among the worlds. And leave what your Lord has created for you as mates? But you are a people transgressing.}[Quran 26:160-166].

So this is the way to deal with whomever follows the footsteps of the people of Loot and commits the same sins they used to do. One should adopt the way of Prophet Loot who rejected and condemned what his people were doing and called them to the Path of Allaah. The Quran revealed the stories of the early nations in order for us to take lessons and to teach us how to deal with those whom we call to the Path of Allaah. At the same time, by reading such stories we are warned against the bad consequences of the sins and crimes these people committed. Allaah Says (which means): {There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding…..}[Quran 12:111].  

As for those homosexuals who do not respond positively to your advice, they should be abandoned and boycotted. A Muslim should leave the place where this major sin is prevalent so that he will not be included if these people are touched by torment. After telling us about the perdition of the people of Loot Allaah Says (which means): {….And it [i.e. Allaah’s punishment] is not from the wrongdoers [very] far.}[Quran 11:83]. 

This means that this kind of destruction will touch those who are pleased with what the sinners are doing and resemble them. These sinners deserve this severe punishment because of their injustice, so a Muslim is warned against living or mixing with them lest punishment touches him as well. For more information, refer to Fatwa 86405 about the ruling on staying in non-Muslim countries and to Fatwa 88293 about the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Allaah Knows best.