A Sinner in Mecca

Praise

“The first book about the Hajj from a gay perspective, written by a man with a deep knowledge of Islamic history. This pilgrimage is the centerpiece of his book, and he recounts it with courage and fierce emotion.”

—The Guardian 

“You will never think the same way about Saudi Arabia and Islam after reading this beautifully written book.”

—Washington Book Review

“Sharma’s spiritual search is intimate and careful, and ultimately one of understanding.”

—Foreword Reviews

“Sharma’s . . . book uses that trip not only to gain perspective on extremists and religion, but as a glass to view the world here in the United States, the challenges felt by the Muslim community, and the oppressive weight of the Trump admisistration.”
—Towerload

“Parvez’s heroism is rare and his courage well-documented. Putting his own life at risk, he takes us on a surprising and compelling journey through the frontlines of his much contested faith. A brilliant follow up to his films, A Jihad for Love and A Sinner in Mecca.”
—Reza Aslan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Zealot

 

“In our lives, we face a choice of whether to live with judgment or reach deep within ourselves to find an inner moral compass that leads us to a metaphorical Mecca of unconditional love. With his powerful, brave book, A Sinner in Mecca, Parvez Sharma takes us on his hero’s pilgrimage, teaching us of an ethereal truth: the qibla, or direction of Mecca, resides within each one of our hearts.”

—Asra Q. Nomani, author of Standing Alone: An American Woman’s Struggle for the Soul of Islam



 

“Parvez Sharma’s Hajj pilgrimage is not only a journey to Mecca but to his deepest self. Both a Muslim and an out gay man, Sharma writes bravely and brilliantly. His religion is ancient. His story is timeless.”

—Kevin Sessums, New York Times bestselling author of Mississippi Sissy and I Left It On the Mountain

 

“Sharma’s gripping journey unfolds with cinematic splendor, giving those of us who will never experience the hajj firsthand the next best thing. This book examines modern Islam’s beauty and its ugliness with an unflinching gaze and a hopeful vision for its future.”

—Cole Stryker, author of Hacking the Future and Epic Win for Anonymous

“As a gay man and a Muslim, Parvez Sharma’s unique personal journey is reflected in this powerful examination of faith, sexuality, and gender. In a divided world, Sharma fearlessly crosses the boundaries and barriers that separate us from each other and finds common ground in the search for love and truth.”
—Cleve Jones, author of When We Rise