Book on sex education creates stir in UAE

A first of its kind book on sexual education written by an Emirati social worker has created heated debates in the online community in the UAE. Wedad Lootah, a counselor at the Dubai Family Court, wrote the 221-page book, “The Secrets of Sexual Congress Between Married Couples.”

The book hit the stores a month ago. Published at the author’s own expense, the book has seven chapters covering topics such as marriage in Islam, the fiqh of cohabitation, marriage and sex, nutrition and sex and solutions to sexual problems, as well as some real life stories.

The book’s opponents, mostly men, claim that the book’s topic is taboo and should not be publicly discussed. Some have even gone as far as to call Lootah an infidel and a sinner for writing about such a subject.

On the other hand, the book’s supporters say there is an urgent need for such educative literature. They point out that Arab societies are turning a blind eye to problems resulting from ignorance of sexual issues.

Lootah, who is no stranger to controversy, is unfazed by all the negativity the book has generated. A few years ago she caused a stir by calling for the introduction of sex education in UAE schools.

“I think a lot of people who have not even bothered to read the book are confusing matters. This book targets couples who plan to get married, not school children. Young people should be given education on these matters but the content should be appropriate for their ages,” she said.

Lootah, who wears a full hijab, said she referred Islamic sources for her book. “After I finished the draft, I showed it to scholars, including the mufti of Dubai who approved it,” she said.