Official Info



Fourteen centuries after the revelation of the holy Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Islam today is the world's second largest and fastest growing religion. Muslim gay filmmaker Parvez Sharma travels the many worlds of this dynamic faith discovering the stories of its most unlikely storytellers: lesbian and gay Muslims.

Filmed over 5 1/2 years, in 12 countries and 9 languages, "A Jihad for Love" comes from the heart of Islam. Looking beyond a hostile and war-torn present, this film seeks to reclaim the Islamic concept of a greater Jihad, which can mean 'an inner struggle' or 'to strive in the path of God'. In doing so the film and its remarkable subjects move beyond the narrow concept of 'Jihad' as holy war.



Official Site: www.aJihadForLove.com

Our Thoughts

I find this movie to be an excellent example of how the Universe uses us humans to fix issues. In Islam, like many other spiritual frame-works, the packaging (the words used to describe the ideas) is often confused with the content (the divine message). Sometimes to the point where the interpretation is actually contradicting the actual message. The Universe (or Allah, as it is called in Islam) places people in a situation, that makes them aware of certain misguided human add-ons, and provides the energy for them to try to initiate change.

I think, it would be helpful, if we all, no matter what spiritual belief-system we follow, could find it in us, to accept that we all are lovable, loved, and loving individuals. We all long for the same basic feelings: security, happiness, fulfillment. Judging others is easy as it does not require me to change. It also prevents me from having to look at myself, which, if I had to do it, would actually make it obvious that "I" need to change. I would like to try to allow others to be how they are, and focus more on myself and how I can grow and improve my ability to affect the change the Universe needs me to affect.

The movie puts a face to the issue. It allows me to step into the shoes of another person; to feel and start grasping the issues they are struggeling with.

I find "A Jihad For Love" to be a wonderful contribution towards peace and spiritual growth.

Thomas