Assalaamu 'alaikum,

I recently contributed a few posts to one of the numerous e-groups
that have sprung up for discussion between or about "Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex or Questioning" Muslims. It seemed
that there was a chance there of engaging in fruitful discussion.
You can see what happened by viewing this compilation:

http://straightway.sinfree.net/LGBTMuslim_Feb05.htm

I have long maintained that there is a great need for careful and
considerate dialogue between self-identifying "gay Muslims"
(especially the leaders of their organisations) and mainstream
Muslims, including scholars and other responsible people. That can
only happen if both 'sides' are willing to look at the arguments
presented and respond accordingly. I think this exchange made it
very clear that the founder of Salaam Canada and various other
prolific commentators are absolutely unwilling to consider that
their lifestyle choices could be mistaken in the light of Islam.

But it is not just a case of their personal choices. These people
are misguiding many Muslims into thinking that the ONLY option when
faced with same-sex attractions is to "accept yourself" and re-shape
Islam to fit their desires. But more and more Muslims are
discovering the approach taken by the StraightWay Foundation, which
encourages Muslims to consider their feelings FROM THE VIEWPOINT of
being Muslim. That way, they can find ways to live happy, healthy
and HALAL lives.

So until the eminent figures from Salaam, Al-Fatiha and the rest are
willing to discuss with us, we can only include that they are not
interested in getting to the truth of the matter - only in feeding
their self-interests and desires. You can see http://gaymuslims.blogspot.com
[Thursday, August 21, 2003 onwards] for the occasion when they refused
to debate with us previously (that blog seems to have been discontinued).

I should point out that Faris Malik of "Queer Jihad" did engage in
proper discussion with me, and I have a new respect for him. That is
despite the fact that I disagree with him and his project very
strongly. At least it gives me hope that some people are interested
in rational discussion, which is all I'm after. We leave it to those
who read our discussions to decide for themselves what is the best
and most correct approach, preferably in consultation with learned
people whom they trust.

In the near future, we hope to prepare an article refuting the
claims of Faris Malik with regards to his non-male men, as found on
his website and in our discussion.

Mujahid Mustaqim