Fatwa Number: 953/1997
Issuing Date: May 1997
Mufti: Shiekh Atya Saqar
Issuing Authority: Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta
Question: What does religion think about what has spread and what is spreading of some people turning from one sex to another using medical treatment and surgeries?
Fiqh Rule: Surgeries are permitted for those with ambiguous sex (intersex), and it is an obligation in this case, once confirmed by a trusted doctor. It is forbidden for just a desire to change sex from female to male or from male to female (gender identity disorder- transgender).