It is quite rare that existing religions are explicitly in Science Fiction. Thus it was interesting to see a series on Deviant Art aliens embracing Earth religions including Islam. The description is given below, it does include some stereotype of Islam e.g., the impression of a rule based religion, Muslims not being comfortable with hermaphrodites which is not correct since they were recognized from the early history of Islam and the first country in the world to recognize the third gender was Pakistan which is a predominantly Muslim country. Anyway here is the description:
The Coshum are some of the first indigenous species to experience a clash between human categorical norms and the norms of the indigenous. Coshum indigenous spiritual practices and ideologies are quite fluid and are enforced, stricken and rebuilt by appointed spiritual leaders or “prophets ‘ every generation, a fluidity analogues to their own being. When Islam was brought to the planet, a prophet based faith held similarities to their own; it was believed by the Coshum to be a sect of their own faith. Yet they later came to know the restrictions enforced by this new faith. Coshum by nature are hermaphrodites, a fact originally unknown to the Islamic leaders and Imans. Yet once a method of gender identification and classification was established, all be it inaccurate, “males” were sent to learn from Imans. When missionaries began enforcing strict gender rules, roles, codes and conducts there was a great deal of confusion. Categorized male Coshum would next day be exhibiting what was believed to be female roles and mannerisms. Once completely understood, Islamic law was eager to rectify the believed to be impure behavior. This free wielding sexuality was deemed an abomination and was strictly prohibited by force. While many did comply to identifying with a singular gender a “third gender” did appear. This 3rd gender continued to practice the indigenous ideologies and hermaphroditeism. Most 3rd genders still play a vital role in society as they are the only ones equip with indigenous knowledge, such as medicine. Worshipping towards Mecca was established quite early and the problem of accurately facing Mecca was rectified through the celestial astrolabe. This piece of machinery is capable of locating Mecca across the galaxy, pin pointing the exact location of devotion. Many devotees also use shrapnel from the original ship, the ship that brought Islam, as a religious artifact used during worship.
