New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) hosted a one-day program on Sunday titled “Ideological Analysis of the LGBTQ+ Movement,” featuring presentations by leading intellectuals and scholars. These presentations offered a multidimensional analysis of the LGBTQ+ movement from ideological, psychological, medical, and sociopolitical perspectives.

The event was organized by Tahqeeq o Tasneef, a department of JIH. Mohiuddin Ghazi, Secretary of JIH, delivered the opening address, outlining the key concepts to be discussed. This was followed by a comprehensive talk by Dr. Asif Hirani, Dean at Amal Institute, USA, who explored the ideological foundations of the LGBTQ+ movement.

Dr. Shadab Munawar Moosa, Assistant Secretary of JIH, discussed the civilizational implications of the LGBTQ+ discourse, providing in-depth arguments on the subject.

In the afternoon session, the discussion expanded to include psychological and biological perspectives, presented by Dr. Mohammad Rizwan, Director of CSR. S. Ameen ul Hasan, Vice President of JIH, spoke about the educational approach to gender and sexuality, while Abdussalam Puthige, editor of Vartha Bharati Kannada Daily, and Khushhal Ahmed of The Companion, examined the sociopolitical impact of the LGBTQ+ movement on Indian society.

The program concluded with JIH President Syed Sadatullah Husaini summarizing the Islamic perspective on LGBTQ+ issues, followed by an open house session with participants.

Excerpts from the Addresses

Mohiuddin Ghazi: In his speech on “Quranic Paradigm to Morality and Ethics,” Ghazi addressed the relevance of the LGBTQ+ movement in modern times, offering a historical perspective. He emphasized that the Quran condemns actions deemed unnatural, referencing the story of Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) to illustrate the severity of such acts. He reiterated that the Quran promotes guarding one’s private parts and respecting the sanctity of marriage, which it defines as a union between a man and a woman. Ghazi concluded by emphasizing that the Quran provides a clear ethical stance against homosexuality, viewing it as a distortion of Nature’s Law.

Dr. Asif Hirani: Dr. Hirani presented an analysis titled “Ideological Foundations of the LGBTQ+ Movement,” tracing the movement back to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s. He explored how postmodernism influences LGBTQ+ perspectives, emphasizing fluid and subjective identities over universal moral standards. Dr. Hirani highlighted the conflicts between traditional values and the normalization of LGBTQ+ identities, expressing concerns about the societal impact and polarization resulting from these cultural shifts.

Dr. Shadab Munawar Moosa: Dr. Moosa discussed “LGBTQ+: A Civilizational Challenge,” examining the ideological and civilizational influences of LGBTQ+ movements. He highlighted the fundamental differences between Western and Islamic paradigms, warning against the uncritical adoption of Western models in Muslim societies. Dr. Moosa called for a return to core religious principles to address the challenges posed by the LGBTQ+ movement.

Dr. Mohammad Rizwan: Dr. Rizwan’s talk on “Psychological and Biological Perspectives On LGBTQ+ Discourse” provided a detailed review of LGBTQ+ issues from psychological and biological perspectives. He emphasized the need for an academic, fact-based approach to these complex issues and called for further research and dialogue to understand the dynamics of sexual fluidity and identity formation.

S. Ameen ul Hasan: Hasan’s address on “Tarbiyah and Education of Children: An Islamic Approach” focused on the importance of parenting in protecting children from sexualized influences in society. He stressed the need for a balanced approach to parenting that incorporates Islamic teachings on sexuality and morality, advocating for a proactive educational strategy to help children resist inappropriate influences.

Abdussalam Puthige: Puthige discussed the sociopolitical impact of the LGBTQ+ movement, comparing it to a flood challenging moral values globally. He called for a compassionate but firm response to counter these trends, emphasizing the need to distinguish between individuals in need and those promoting ideology.

Khushhal Ahmed: Ahmed led a discussion on “LGBTQ+ and Indian Society,” exploring the historical and cultural shifts in attitudes towards homosexuality in India. He traced the influence of British colonialism and the ongoing challenges posed by right-wing ideologies, highlighting the importance of understanding the historical context to address modern LGBTQ+ issues in India.

Syed Sadatullah Husaini: In his address on “Islamic Paradigm and LGBTQ+ Discourse,” Husaini articulated the Islamic perspective on sexual orientation and morality, emphasizing that Islam defines sexual relationships within the bounds of heterosexual marriage as sanctioned by divine law. He warned that the LGBTQ+ movement could threaten the family structure and children’s rights and called for a strong and informed Islamic response to these challenges.

The program, organized by Tahqeeq o Tasneef, aimed to foster informed dialogue on critical social issues. It concluded with a call for Muslims to remain vigilant and proactive in upholding Islamic teachings on sexuality and gender in the face of ideological challenges.