Safra preview January 22, 2006
Posted by Rasheed Eldin in Media, Shari'ah.5 comments
The poster called “Imaan” in the MPACUK discussion reproduced (from where I know not) an article by Tamsila Tauqir, Chair of the Safra Project, an organisation promoted by a recent article in the Times [response], along with Imaan. I expect her organisation will also be given the thumbs up by Monday’s documentary, which she has had a chance to preview…
Edit: Oh, here it is.
Muslim Before Anything Else January 22, 2006
Posted by Mujahid Mustaqim in Advice, Islam.38 comments
BY MUJAHID MUSTAQIM
Rasheed’s comments below encouraged me to share here an article I wrote a long time ago, for those people (especially youth) who are questioning their sexuality and could do with help in understanding it, from an Islamic viewpoint in particular. It has not been published on the StraightWay website, but I have posted it on some forums, including MuslimYouth.
Discussion on MPACUK forum January 22, 2006
Posted by Rasheed Eldin in Islam, Media.1 comment so far
The contents of the MPACUK site and forum don’t usually encourage me to come back for more, but I was really thrilled to read one debate on the upcoming C4 programme. Not because of the typical comments from Muslims, full of righteousness but lacking in understanding or compassion, but from the contributions of someone called Yahya. I reproduce one of his posts:
Ask yourself – what is homosexuality? Is it the act of two people of the same gender having sex? Or is it about generalising a sexual attraction into a lifestyle? Hence, “gayness” becomes about modes of dress, hobbies and interests, fashion and style and a hundred other things besides. Sex is a small part of it. Most importantly, it becomes tangled up with the concept of romantic love (another modern invention), which is seen to be at the heart of marriage.
There is a difference between the physical act of sex between men and “homosexuality” as a concept of identity. The first is about something someone does, the second is about how he feels about it.
The demand for gay rights, which is the subject of this thread, is NOT about who is having sex with who, but how they perceive themselves while doing it. The idea that people are “gay” and as such have rights as “gays” is about identities not acts.
People are today invited to define themselves as “gay” or “straight”, often over personality traits which have relatively little to do with sexuality. If these two categories did not exist, and they did not used to exist, what would be the effect on human sexuality?
Beginnings January 21, 2006
Posted by Rasheed Eldin in Media, Queer Muslims.3 comments
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.
