this—even if it is thought to benefit the lover by freeing his soul and refining his character, or the beloved through efforts to further his interests, educate him and cultivate his manners, and so forth—does far more harm than good. How could its benefit compare with its sin?

This is merely like saying that illicit intercourse benefits both parties through the pleasure and delight it brings, as well as the payment and other benefits the woman receives; or saying that drinking wine has physical and psychological benefits. Yet He said concerning wine and gambling:

“Say: In them is great sin and benefit for people, but their sin is greater than their benefit.”

This was before their prohibition, let alone what He said when prohibiting them and afterwards.

Attachment to beautiful forms belongs to the category of sexual immorality. Its hidden aspect is hidden sexual immorality and inward sin. The Most High said:

“Abandon both outward and inward sin.”

The Most High also said:

“Say: My Lord has only forbidden immoral deeds, whether committed openly or secretly.”

He also said:

“When they commit an immoral deed, they say, ‘We found our forefathers doing it, and Allah has commanded us to do it.’ Say: Allah does not command immorality. Do you say about Allah what you do not know?”

The leading scholars of the religion do not dispute that this is neither recommended nor obligatory. Whoever considers it praiseworthy and commends it has departed from the consensus of the Muslims—indeed, of the Jews and Christians as well—and even from the judgement of rational people among all nations. Such a person follows his desires without guidance from Allah:

“And who is more astray than one who follows his desires without guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.”

He has also said