Gay Muslims executed in Iran

On July 19 2005, in the city Mashhad in Iran, two teenagers aged 18, and 16 were executed by hanging in the city square after a religious court found them guilty of homosexuality. Since the Ayatollahs seized power in 1979, over 4,000 lesbians and gay men have been executed. The executions have been applauded by Iran's parliament.

Earlier on 7 July 2005, at least 7 bombs planted by Islamic fundamentalist ripped apart busses and sections of the London subway systems leaving more than 50 dead and 1000 injured. Following the incidents, the Muslim Council of Britain naturally condemned the incidents. But the grim facts were that under their watch, this was clearly instigated by homegrown young muslims born in Britain of Pakistani descent.

It may not have been a conincidence that the explosions occured near Gay neighbourhoods. Since Apr 2005, the Islamic fundamentalist have been sending repeated death treats to OutRage, a Gay organization in Britain who has been involved in a campaign in defence of LGBT Muslims fleeing the above mentioned executions in Iran, Algeria, and Palestine.

The fundamentalist are adamant that they are acting in accordance to Islamic law. There are five references in the Qur'an which have been cited as referring to gay and lesbian behavior. The two main references to homosexual behavior are:

This passage is an apparent reference to the activities at Sodom and Gamorah. The Hadith are collections of sayings attributed to Muhammad. Many Hadiths discuss liwat (sexual intercourse between males). Two examples are:

Hence, the muslims apparently have a strong basis based on the Quran and Hadith to comdenm homosexuality. As a community and as a nation (in Iran), they have obiously sactioned the execution of Gays.

The events in Iran is so distant from where we are in Singapore. Such executions do not occur in Singapore. and indeed by our comments it can be seen as a criticism of a major faith which is not the intention. But Four thousand lives is four thousand too many. The people of Britain were outraged by 50 deaths in the London bombing. How could we not feel greater pain and agony when 4000 gays and lesbians died in the hands of Islamic religious fundamentalist in full support of their communities. Jesus Christ died for everyone. He died for each of the 4000 who were executed. He loves them just as He loves you and me. Each had dreams and desires and loved ones. They were guilty in the eyes of man made religion and rules, but they are inncocent because they are born as Gays. At the cross of calvary, the religious leaders put Jesus to death. The Son of God, totally without sin, they put to death. Likewise, the blood of the 4000 who have died cries out before God and before heaven.

The root of the problem has been and will always be Religion whether it is mainstream Christianity or Muslim religion where we have become so zealous to reach God by our works or firm adherence to certain rules that we may reach perfection that we become cruel without heart nor emotion in the name of God in adherence to the commands of the religious text. In Christianity, many have forgotten that Jesus came to defy religion and religious norms. In the bible, the coming of Jesus, the son of of God must have been a shock to the then Jewish religious leaders who have similar beliefs against Gays as do Muslims. Jesus associated Himself with the society's outcast.

(Luke 7:34 NKJV) "The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'

Whilst Gays are not specifically mentioned, I would say that they would have existed and was with Jesus. Their non mention perhaps highlight that to Jesus this was a non issue. At the Calvary, it was not the 'sinners' who killed Jesus, it was the religious leaders, that sent Jesus to the cross of calvary, the very same spirit and attitude of the religious leaders who today persecute Gays.

If Jesus was to appear again, it would be the religious leaders of all the religions that would be against Jesus. In Rom 1:23, and 1:24, after repeatedly pouring His grace and mercy upon mankind, they still did not give God the due honor and glory. They wanted a to share in the glory, to have a part in doing good works for salvation. Instead of worshipping God, they created with their own hands, a new god.

(Rom 1:24 NKJV) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

God chose thereafter not to attempt on trying to change their ways. but in order to show their futility in reaching God by their own efforts and the need for a Saviour - He gave them the 10 commandments. The Old testament was written as code book to reveal the coming of Jesus Christ, the Saviour. Today, the many religions and the idols worshiped are but a demonstration of the many gods and apparent ways to eternal life that man has made.

Gay muslims have been running - running from the religious leaders, from persecution. Today, I am not talking about religion, I am talking about Jesus, that sweet name of Jesus. His arms is wide open today. He does not call you to another religion, but to a relationship to a homecoming to God. He loves you and accepts you just as you are, a Gay. At the cross of calvary, Jesus took all your sins. He now present before you, His nail pierced hands to satisfy your guilt/sin conscience.

(John 14:6 NKJV) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

(John 14:7 NKJV) "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."

Jesus is the only way to God, the true revelation of God, the giver and not the taker of life. No one comes to God except through believing that Jesus died for him and rose again on the third day. You need not run anymore. You are safe in Jesus. You need only to receive Him as your Lord and saviour. As you receive receive Him, you become one with Christ, a child of God. No longer will death touch you for even in physical death, God will bring you to heaven to a place where they cannot touch you, to a place of peace, and eternal dwelling with Jesus.