
A Jihad for Love
2007, Documentary/Lgbtq+, 1h 21m
32 Reviews 500+ RatingsWhat to know
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This powerful documentary explores an important subject -- homosexuality in the Muslim world -- with humanity and courage. Read critic reviews
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Critic Reviews for A Jihad for Love
Audience Reviews for A Jihad for Love
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Apr 12, 2010What unites the conservative elements of otherwise disparate religions is a hatred of gays and lesbians. The heartfelt and enlightening documentary "A Jihad for Love" takes this topic from a Muslim point of view. From South Africa to France to Iran to Turkey to Pakistan, gays and lesbians share their experiences. Some participants are courageous enough to have their faces revealed while others are more cautious. As depicted in the film, Islam is more diverse than usually perceived, as the interpretation of sacred texts is up for debate. For example, the only relevant phrases from the Koran come up in the context of Sodom and Gomorrah, and as a gay imam puts it, the crimes committed there were rape, not consensual by any means.(The jihad in the title of the film is not here meant as it is usually thought of as a holy war, but as a struggle.) Another text forbids lesbianism but the worst punishment is a scolding. In some Muslim countries like Iran and Egypt, homosexuality is illegal and punishments vary but can include execution, causing Muslim gays and lesbians to live abroad as exiles. Turkey is Muslim, yet secular, and has no laws against homosexuality while Pakistan and India have rarely enforced statutes inherited from colonial England.
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Sep 16, 2009Could have been much better in how it was edited and put together but it was good.Sunil J Super Reviewer
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Sep 18, 2008Extremely interesting subject matter, though I never can help to think, as an atheist, that it would always be much easier to leave the oppressive religion then to try and reconcile it with ones own life. The gay Iman impressed me very much, as did the lesbian couple from Turkey. Technically not the best documentary, but it is very close to its subjects and conveys their difficulties vividly.
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Jul 21, 2008A lightweight documentary on treatments of homosexuality in the Muslim world. Unfortunately the individuals interviewed didn't add the gravity to this situation which it deserved.John B Super Reviewer
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