Eye on ‘Gay Muslims’

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful…

I’ll save you a long introduction to me and my ideas, as you’ll have lots of opportunity to engage with me and my opinions as time goes on.

I’ve been researching Islamic perspectives on homosexuality for a few years now, and observing the development of ”gay Muslim” groups in the US and now far beyond, and how their leaders and followers have grappled with the issues.

I have criticisms of just about everything that has been written on these subjects. My primary aim in setting up this blog is to share my philosophical perspectives and contribute to a sound Islamic discourse on sexuality. I’ll also comment on items in the news etc., and highlight some posts from the numerous e-groups that have sprung up with one aim or another.

I’m delighted to be joined here by Mujahid Mustaqim, who runs the StraightWay Foundation, and with whom I’ve corresponded since its conception. I hope that this will allow some input of a practical kind, and also to allow him a platform to clarify things regarding his organisation, which has already been smeared and slandered by homosexualists of the Muslim and anti-Muslim varieties.

I would probably have procrastinated some more before starting the blog, but thought it best to get going in advance of a programme to appear on the UK’s Channel 4. Gay Muslims is on this Monday at 8pm. According to the listings:

This ground-breaking documentary film explores the lives of gay and lesbian Muslims in the UK.  As with many religions, there are those within the Muslim community who feel strongly that homosexuality is incompatible with the Muslim faith.

Gay Muslims looks at how those affected by this prejudice struggle to integrate their religion with their sexuality. For some it means living a secret double life, while for others it means losing the respect and support of their family and community. Many give in to family pressure and get married, others run away from home to set up a life of their own, while many live in fear for their lives. This emotional film offers an insight into the often tortuous, secret lives of gay practising Muslims.

No doubt I’ll have a lot to say about this programme. For a start, one category of people is conspicuously absent from this blurb: those who somehow get their head around things, and find a way forward based on faith, trust, patience and self-development – a way that involves self-acceptance without succumbing to sin.

Rasheed Eldin

P.S. – I welcome comments, but I will moderate as I see fit. I don’t at all mind criticism, but I’m not a fan of name-calling or abuse.