How Islam Approaches Transgender Rights:
Acknowledgment of Intersex Individuals and Gender Ambiguity (Khuntha)
(a) Early Islamic scholars recognized the presence of “khuntha” — individuals born with a mix of male and female physical characteristics.
(b) Islamic law offered guidelines for inheritance, prayer rows, and burial based on their dominant traits.
(c) This recognition shows that Islamic law does not see gender as strictly binary in all cases.
2. Emphasis on Justice and Individual Rights
Islam is deeply rooted in Adl (justice) and Rahmah (mercy). All individuals, regardless of their gender identity, are entitled to:
(a) Safety of life, personal dignity, and ownership rights
(b) A life free from harm, prejudice, and humiliation
(c) Fair access to medical care, learning opportunities, and fundamental human respect
3. Scholarly Views on Medical Gender Transition“Let not the animosity of others lead you away from justice. Uphold justice—for it is closest to righteousness.” (Qur’an 5:8)
(a) Some contemporary scholars and Muslim-majority countries (like Iran, Pakistan, and Egypt) permit gender-affirming surgery, but only under medical and psychological guidance.
(b) Iran, for example, recognizes transgender identities legally and provides support for transition surgeries (though this is controversial in how it's applied).
(c) Scholars allow this when:
* It is done to correct a biological or psychological condition
* It is guided by qualified medical experts
* It does not contradict basic Islamic ethics
4. Islam Forbids Bullying and Humiliation
(a) Every human being, including transgender individuals, must be treated with dignity and protected from mockery or harm.
(b) The Qur’an commands believers to avoid mockery, name-calling, and unjust suspicion (Qur’an 49:11-12).
5. Transgender People and Worship
(a) Transgenders are expected to pray, fast, and worship, just like any other Muslim.
(b) Scholars discuss how they should perform gender-specific rituals (e.g., prayer rows, ghusl, burial) based on either dominant traits or post-transition status.
6. Transgender Rights in Muslim Societies
Islam encourages community care, and this includes:
(a) Providing support (not exclusion) for those struggling with gender identity
(b) Ensuring they are not homeless, abused, or denied family ties
(c) Offering spiritual guidance without judgment or hatred
Countries like Pakistan have even legally recognized a third gender and offered ID cards to transgender citizens, citing Islamic principles of dignity.
Islamic Principles That Guide This Approach:
(a) Respect and value for all human beings (Qur’an 17:70)
(b) No soul is burdened beyond its capacity (Qur’an 2:286)
(c) God is the Most Merciful, the Most Just
(d) Scholarly Ijtihad (reasoned interpretation) for new realities
Important Clarification:
Islam does not promote or encourage altering one’s body for fashion, rebellion, or without medical/psychological cause. The allowance for gender transition is based on necessity, medical guidance, and sincere personal struggle — not personal whim or trends.
Islam addresses transgender matters with compassion, medical insight, and fairness—acknowledging the complexity of human experience while upholding its religious principles. Under Islamic law, every person, regardless of identity, is deserving of dignity, respect, and kindness.