Homosexuality in Islam: Critical Reflection on Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Muslims

For the purpose of this review, I thought it's important to give some of my background. I'm a 24-year-old medical student and I'm a practising Muslim, having learned Islamic studies ever since I was little up till I was 19, so I have extensive knowledge about it. I have always been inquisitive and questioning by nature, and I brought these into the realm of my Islamic studies to further understand Islam, much to the discomfort of other students ("common Muslims" are discouraged from having "openly questioning" discussions as they are deemed to have inadequate scholarly knowledge). After years of study (including comparing other faiths), even though I was brought up as a Muslim, I believed in Islam on my own accord. I realised my same-sex attraction ever since I was about 9, but I thought I was attracted to females as well, so I concluded I was a bisexual some years later. I have been taught that homosexuality has no place in Islam, but it didn't bother me as much as I thought I could always settle with a girl. Late 2009, after further reflection and exploration, I concluded that I was actually gay, not having any sexual attraction toward females. This epiphany brought intense internal conflict - a battle between my religion and my sexuality. I desperately searched for answers.Scott Kugle is the first Muslim to publish widely on the issue of homosexuality and transgender identity in Islam. Like some gay Muslim advocates, I expected a very emotionally-driven writing to defend queers when I bought this book. Instead, I was delightfully surprised by his neutral-sounding, critical and objective writing, reflecting years of careful research and synthesis of valid ideas. This book is divided into systematic sections, bringing readers into natural progression across his arguments. His introductory chapter is a wonderful summary of his whole book, telling readers what to expect in this book. He begins soon with discussion into the nature of human sexuality (including inherent nature of homosexuality) as a basis for his argument throughout the rest of the book.The next chapter is all about the Qur'an's stand on the issue of homosexuality. It's about liberating the Qur'an from shackles of previous traditional/classical (mis)interpretation of this issue, which I had come to accept as an absolute "fact" from my years of study. The arguments are laid out logically and coherently, free from "twisting of the fact" as accused by the majority of Islamic authorities. This chapter changed my view of the scholars' interpretation of the Qur'an as almost infallible. A very eye-opening section of the book.The following chapter talks about the hadith (Prophet Muhammad's sayings). In desperation to make syaria laws and rulings, jurists have used weak and (highly possibly) false/fabricated hadiths to justify condemnation of homosexuality and punishments for homosexual acts. Throughout my Islamic studies, I have surprisingly discovered many weak or fabricated hadiths that the "common Muslims" have accepted to be truth, so this chapter of the book serves to reinforce my discovery. Another eye-opening chapter if you aren't familiar with the studies of hadiths.Next comes the chapter on assessing fiqh (Islamic legal reasoning). It focuses on the legal standing of homosexuality and male-male anal intercourse, some female-female relations. This chapter and the next chapter is tightly linked, as the idea to legalise homosexual relationships (in the eyes of God) via marriage (nikah) is explored, which requires critical reassessment of the current (patriarchal) idea of nikah between man and woman. This chapter provides solutions to the "problem" of homosexual relationships, and I commend the author for providing solutions instead of merely presenting his arguments in defense of homosexuality. The last chapter before the conclusion presents points for transgender individuals, which is also a great read.Overall, this book is simply a superb buy, and in retrospect, I would have gladly paid even more for the quality of writing that I get from this book. Who do I recommend it to? Well, of course for LGBTIQ Muslims this book is a must-read. I would also recommend all Islamic teachers, imams, scholars, and authorities to give this book a read and please do so with an open and neutral mind, as I have forced myself to do (due to my classical/traditional Islamic understanding). For LGBTIQ Muslims, I would also recommend lending/buying this book for your Muslim friends and family members who might have trouble understanding our position. I also think that non-Muslims can benefit from this book, to help them understand that Islam is accommodating to queers and is actually beautiful. Basically, "Homosexuality in Islam" deserves a place in everyone's bookshelf.It has helped me to reconcile with my religion and sexuality. Scott Kugle's work has probably saved my life from one of constant internal conflict and tormenting depression. What are you waiting for? Now go buy this book!

These concepts shared in this book are nothing short of brilliant. Without ever having to refute or deny any words of the Qur'an itself, Siraj brings forth a truly educated, thorough, and refreshing alternative perspective to what many educated individuals (Muslim or otherwise) see as rigid and disingenuous interpretation of the faith (ie conservative straight males perspective ONLY). It is these 21st century ideas that can help bridge the divide among Islam in other cultures, should they choose to do so. Siraj talks about people and the purpose of faith and defies the taboo without apology a without undermining the faith.The naysayers are all the same. The same things they said about Fatima Mernissi and anyone else who challenges the old patriarchal ways about anything.On a personal note, this book not only changed my entire perspective of Islam (for the better no less), but helped me write one of the best academic research papers I think I have written. It is a must read for anyone interested in this very complex subject.

Great Resource for LGBT Muslims that provide historically context about the Story of LUT. It shows that LGBT Muslims are not haram as some people who claim to be Scholars claim. Highly recommend reading . Love this book

I am very proud and extremely happy to finally see this book online. After reading a number of excerpts from this book, as a gay Muslim, Siraj provides the GLT Muslim community thoroughly researched theological points of view, providing a diversity of understandings grounded in Quran, ahadeeth, fiqh, shari'ah and cultural traditions starting in antiquity to the present. I can't wait until I receive my copy of Siraj's book so I can read it cover to cover. This will be one that I keep in my library for life. Thanks, Siraj and looking forward to your next book.

The package came in perfectly and the book is very well written.. It's a very fascinating take on the religion and quite a compelling argument.

This is an extremely thorough investigation into this topic. If there is anyone out there that finds themselves conflicted on this issue, this book can be a guiding light (may Allah accept this effort). Also, as may not be clear from the title, this book also discusses transgender issues.

The much needed discussion in our comminities, addressed in a very responsible way. We have included this book in our Muslim women study group with a lot of enthusiasm. A must read!

I'm still reading the book, and so far i'm really happy that I bought this book. This book has already influenced me and i'm very excited to read the rest of the book.

good book

The author uses a lot of adilla, from the Quran, from ahadith, and when possible, from ulama. The part in which he concludes that islam shouldn't have a problem with homosexuals or transgenders was extremely convincing, and is comparable to the highest standards of the most intellectual Muslim scholars. I never found myself reading a book written by someone of minor knowledge trying to search for excuses to push something into the rzligion that doesn't belong there. For that, the book deserves a full five stars.Unfortunately sometimes the author has expanded on subjects which really appalled me.He tries to clear up that homosexuality in fact is not part of the traditional 'lut' verses, but at the same time he takes over female unfriendly interpretations as if they are universal Islamic interpretations, to show that the classical marriage maybe doesn't suit homosexuals. I was turned down that he wasn't much aware of the many female friendly interpretations that have existed, and that an Islamic marriage in its presentday form isn't per se a bad thing for women. But since he has studied the lgbtq side, I can forgive him for that. On the other hand, when he made small chapter in which he tries to show that maybe homosexual couples would be better of with a mut'a marriage, that's when I was really appalled. I see no reason to introduce an awful concept like mut'a. That's when it defenitely lost a star.The author also convincingly prooves that the ahadith which Ikrima told from Ibn Abbas about homosexuality are not correct. He regularly makes small remarks that some muslims can take this as a sign to get rid of all ahadith at once, but that it's not in the scope of the book to deepen this subject. That's where it lost another star. Being neutral and intellectual doesn't mean to throw all away when one finds some troublesome sayings. But it is good to be reminded that Ikrima actually had a bad record with a lot of scholars, so whenever meeting his sayings, one should be extra careful.On the whole, I find the book well written, clear, and he absolutely convinced me that we Muslims should accept homosexual, lesbian and transgender muslims as part of our members, to marry and live a respectful marriage while performing their religious duties to Allah. In fact, I think that they could play a very big part in an Islamic society, by taking care of children of heterosexual couples that didn't want or weren't able to raise their own children. It would be much better for such children to be raised in a loving home with two loving fathers than to go to a masse institution for children of troublesome backgrounds. The society as a whole would thrive if all children could be raised lovingly, and two husbands or two wives can do this job as good as any heterosexual couple.

You just read it and let the god decide the remaining

A book full of wisdom.

... an essential read for all LGBTQ muslims who are looking for ways to reconcile their faith with their sexuality.Its also an enlightening read for all muslims, especially those training as Alims, Imaams and teachers in the Islamic community.....because it addresses many mis-interpretations of Quranic verses which have been used to perpetuate and maintain homophobic sentiments in a religion who's name essentially means The Way of Peace