Gender transition in Islamic Sharia

What is Gender transition in Islamic Sharia, personal freedom or tampering with human nature? Let’s explore the complex intersection of modern gender identity issues and Islamic teachings.

What is Gender transition in Islamic Sharia?

Gender transition generally refers to changing one’s gender identity and appearance from male to female or vice versa, often through medical procedures or hormonal treatment. Some individuals pursue it due to deep psychological distress, often called gender dysphoria in Islam, a mismatch between biological sex and internal sense of identity, as well as social pressures or personal feelings. Modern questions such as “What does Islam say about the third gender?”

Scriptural texts: prohibition of altering Allah’s creation

Islamic teachings prohibit changing one’s sex without medical necessity. In addition, the Qur’an explicitly warns against altering Allah’s creation.

In The Quran :

Surah An-Nisa (4:119):

“And I (i.e., satan) will mislead them, and I will arouse in them [sinful] desires, and I will command them so they will slit the ears of cattle, and I will command them so they will change the creation of Allah.”

Surah Ash-Shura (42:49):

“To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female children, and He gives to whom He wills males.”

Scholars use this verse to show that deliberately changing one’s sex without medical necessity goes against Islamic teachings. They explain that Allah created every person as male or female, and Muslims must respect and accept this creation rather than alter it

In Sunna:

“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) cursed effeminate men and women who imitated men, and said: Take them out of your houses”

Al-Bukhari (RA) on the authority of Anas (RA)

The Sahih Muslim also records that the Prophet PBUH cursed those who imitate or attempt to change the gender assigned by Allah, i.e., men who emulate women and vice versa.

References:

International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA). (2023, July 28). Resolution No. 251 (13/25) concerning the Sharia Ruling on Gender Transformation. IIFA.

Gender Identity disorder vs. necessary medical treatment (Gender transition in Islamic Sharia)

It is important to distinguish between individuals born with ambiguous genitalia or intersex conditions (DSD in Islam). Besides those with gender dysphoria seeking transition. Islamic jurisprudence generally allows corrective treatment for intersex or congenital abnormalities to restore normal bodily function, not to change gender arbitrarily.

However, for biologically healthy males or females experiencing gender dysphoria, elective gender transition via surgery or hormones is impermissible in Islam. Besides, Mukhannath in Islam, or effeminate men, were there in early Islamic society, but their condition was not grounds for altering their God-given gender.

References:

Is it allowed to change your gender in Islam?

Related posts: Islam and homosexuality

In conclusion, gender transition for psychologically healthy individuals is haram as it alters Allah’s creation. Islam teaches that human beings must accept their natural fitrah (innate nature), which ensures spiritual and social balance.

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