In the name of Allah,

The Entirely Merciful, The Especially Merciful

Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, the seal of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

Resolution No. 251 (13/25)

Sharia Ruling on Gender Transformation

The Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, holding its 25^th session in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 29 Rajab – 3 Shaaban 1444H (20-23 February 2023),

Having examined the research papers submitted to the Academy concerning Sharia Ruling on Gender Transformation,

Having listened to the discussions of the Academy’s members and experts,

Resolves

First: “Gender transformation” means the transformation of a male into a female or a female into a male.

Second: Gender transformation is prohibited in Sharia because it is an alteration of the divine creation, as confirmed in the Noble Quran:

“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.” An-Nisa: 119

And in a hadith reported by Al-Bukhari (RA) on the authority of Anas (RA):

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

Third: If a husband transforms himself into a female in apparent features, the wife has the right to annulment of the marriage contract due to a physical defect, and if a wife transforms herself into a male in apparent features, the husband shall divorce her.

Fourth: Sharia rulings on the religious and civil duties and rights of men and women remain the same as before the gender transformation from male to female or vice versa, particularly with regard to Sharia rulings on child custody, family expenditures, and inheritance, because becoming a female or male is not a real change, but rather a change in outward appearance, as doctors have confirmed. Therefore, this gender reassignment does not affect these Sharia rulings in force before gender transformation.

Recommendations

• Calling on states and governments to ban sex reassignment surgeries, and to raise awareness of their dangers and detrimental consequences to both those who get them done and the society.
• Advising people suffering from gender disorders or identity obsessions, whether caused by psychological or other reasons, to seek out appropriate treatments.
• Raising awareness against the dangers of movements advocating promiscuity, homosexuality, and transsexuality, and which aim to spread immorality and obscenity under the guise of defending individual rights and liberties.
• Returning to Allah the Almighty, seeking refuge in Him, and adhering to the practices permissible in Sharia, because returning to Him is one of the most effective ways to cure all problems, especially mental disorders, and their likes.

Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing.