Prohibition of Gender Imitation in Islam
📖Sahih al-Bukhari 6834
Ibn Abbas narrated: “The Prophet (ï·º) cursed the effeminate men and those women who assume the similitude (manners) of men. He also said, ‘Turn them out of your houses.’ He turned such-and-such person out, and Umar also turned out such-and-such person.”
Explanation
This hadith emphasizes that men should not deliberately act, dress, or behave like women, and vice versa. The Prophet (ï·º) cursed those who intentionally defy the natural roles created by Allah.
🔹 Deliberate Gender Imitation is Cursed – This applies to those who knowingly and willingly attempt to change their gender or adopt the characteristics of the opposite sex in defiance of Islamic teachings.
🔹 Islam Does Not Promote Gender Alteration – While Islam acknowledges that some may struggle with identity issues, it does not allow or encourage changing one’s gender or promoting such behavior in society.
🔹 “Turn Them Out of Your Houses” – This does not mean harming them but rather discouraging the normalization of such behavior. It means that in an Islamic society, those who openly spread corruption should not be allowed to influence others.
Under Islamic Rule vs. Non-Islamic Rule
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Under an Islamic government, rules are implemented according to Shariah law, and punishments for actions that violate Islamic principles (such as deliberate gender alteration) are enforced by the state, not by individuals.
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In non-Islamic countries, these laws do not apply, and people are free to make their own choices. Muslims cannot enforce Islamic laws where they do not govern.
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Personal Responsibility – If someone changes their gender in a non-Muslim country, it is their own choice and Muslims have no authority to punish them. However, believers must uphold Islamic values and not support or promote such actions.
Qur’anic Context
📖Surah An-Nisa (4:119)
“And I will mislead them, and I will arouse desires in them, and I will command them so they will change the creation of Allah.”
➤ This verse warns against Satan’s influence, where he tempts people to alter Allah’s natural creation, including gender identity.
📖Surah Al-Ahzab (33:36)
“It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error.”
➤ Believers are required to follow Allah’s commands, and altering gender is an act of disobedience.
📖Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:50)
“Is it the judgment of ignorance that they seek? But who is better than Allah in judgment for a people who are certain [in faith]?”
➤ Human laws cannot override Allah’s rulings, but Muslims must accept that Islamic laws apply only in an Islamic system.
Does Allah Command the Killing of Those Who Change Gender?
There are many instances where Allah sent punishment upon nations that engaged in extreme immoral acts. This serves as proof of divine punishment, as also mentioned in hadith. However, after the Qur’an was completed, Allah’s punishments no longer come in the same direct manner, like the people of Lut. Instead, Islamic law must be applied to rule according to divine guidance. Since non-Muslims will always exist, Islamic law cannot be enforced in non-Muslim countries. Additionally, punishment only applies when a person deliberately engages in such acts without repentance. If someone does it by mistake, realizes their wrongdoing, and repents, there is a chance to avoid punishment. The punishment mentioned in hadith serves as a deterrent so people fear and avoid committing such acts. If society supports and normalizes these behaviors, they will spread, and what was once forbidden will become accepted. This is why Islam strictly discourages promoting or supporting actions that go against natural creation.