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Investigating the Islamic perspective on homosexuality

Faculty Advisor

Date

2016

Keywords

homosexuality, permanent celibacy, reparative therapy, Islam, Muslim same-sex unions, minority stress, internalized homophobia

Abstract (summary)

In his 2006 article in the Journal of the Islamic Medical Association of North America (JIMA), Dr. Ahmed qualified the predominant psychiatric view on “homosexuality” by recourse to opinions prevalent within reparative therapy circles. Conservative Muslim thinkers, online counselors and other professionals continue to hold opinions similar to those delineated by Dr. Ahmed in his journal article. We use his paper as a focal point to critique the general opinions upheld by conservative Muslim thinkers by alluding to the harms associated with reparative therapy and by rejecting the unreasonable prescription of permanent celibacy. We critique Dr. Ahmed’s association of “homosexuality” with mental health issues, fatal diseases, alcoholism and illicit sexual intercourse. Investigating the Muslim tradition, we encourage conservative Muslim leaders to facilitate Muslim gays and lesbians in their legitimate human need for intimacy, affection and companionship.

Publication Information

Jahangir, J. B., & Abdullatif, H. (2016). Investigating the Islamic Perspective on Homosexuality. Journal of Homosexuality, 63:7, 925-954. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2015.1116344

Notes

Item Type

Article Post-Print

Language

Rights

All Rights Reserved