Fatwa Number: 2745/2012
Issuing Date: 26/11/2012
Mufti: Fatwa Committee
Issuing Authority: Jordanian Dar Al-Ifta
Question: How does Islam perceive the concept of the “third sex” and did this notion exist during the days of the Prophet?
Fiqh Rule: Every individual with ambiguous sexual characteristics or possessing both male and female qualities is granted full rights under Shari’a law. This condition is considered a matter of destiny and is supported by the presence of the Prophet’s third-sex companions. Therefore, society is obligated to treat these individuals with respect and dignity. However, individuals who voluntarily change their sex or attempt to resemble women are considered sinful by Allah and their acts are also prohibited.