Rulings on Transgenderism in Islam | Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi | Isha Khatira

Summary

The speaker, a member of the Council of North America, discusses the Islamic perspective on transgenderism and gender issues. He explains that Islam recognizes two distinct genders, male and female, and that these are not merely social constructs but are biologically and divinely established. The speaker emphasizes that the Sharia law outlines specific roles and behaviors for men and women, and that cross-dressing or gender dysphoria, which involves a desire to change one's gender, is considered a major sin in Islam. He also differentiates between intersex individuals, who have a biological basis for their condition, and those who identify as transgender, stating that the latter's actions are not permitted by Sharia law. The speaker calls for compassion and understanding when dealing with individuals struggling with their gender identity, while also stressing the importance of upholding Islamic values and teachings, particularly regarding the sanctity of the human body as a creation of Allah. He concludes by addressing the challenges faced by the Muslim community in maintaining its values amidst societal pressures and the importance of tolerance and mutual respect in a diverse society.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Council of North America, being the oldest council of ulama in the U.S., assigned the task of writing a fatwa on transgenderism to one of its younger members.
• 🚫 The fatwa, which is eight pages long, asserts that there are two genders, male and female, and that this distinction is not merely a social construct but a biological reality.
• 🧬 The script emphasizes that gender differences are not only cultural but are rooted in biological sex, as evidenced by physiological, hormonal, and genetic differences between males and females.
• ✊ The Sharia law is said to take gender differences into account, with distinct roles and rulings for men and women, reinforcing the idea that gender is not just about sex and sexuality.
• 👕 Cross-dressing or acting in a manner that is considered opposite to one's biological sex is considered a major sin in the context of the Sharia, based on the consensus of scholars and hadith.
• 🤔 The concept of gender dysphoria, where individuals feel their gender identity does not match their biological sex, is acknowledged, but the Sharia does not allow acting upon such feelings.
• 🈲 Any medical procedure that attempts to change one's biological gender is deemed haram (forbidden), as the body is considered a creation of Allah, not something owned by the individual.
• 🏥 There is a special consideration in the Sharia for intersex individuals, who are born with atypical combinations of sex chromosomes and may not fit the typical male or female classifications.
• 🤝 Compassion and help should be extended to those struggling with gender dysphoria or same-sex attraction, but they should not be made to feel proud of their struggles; instead, they should be encouraged to seek help and maintain their dignity.
• 🚫 Public figures, including politicians who identify as Muslim but promote views that contradict Islamic teachings on gender and sexuality, should not be seen as representatives of Islam.
• 🌟 The importance of maintaining a firm stance on Islamic principles regarding gender and sexuality is highlighted, even when faced with societal pressures and potential backlash.

Q & A

What is the Council of North America?

The Council of North America is the oldest council of ulama (Islamic scholars) in the United States, being over 45 years old.

What was the task assigned to the speaker by the fifth Council?

The speaker was assigned the task of writing a fatwa (Islamic legal pronouncement) about transgenderism and how Muslims should approach this issue.

What does the speaker believe about the concept of two genders?

The speaker firmly believes in the existence of two distinct and separate genders, male and female, which are not just a social construct or an imaginary cultural concept but are real and based on biological sex.

How does the speaker view the roles of men and women in society?

The speaker asserts that there are gender-specific roles in society that are masculine and feminine, as guided by the Sharia (Islamic law), and these roles differ between men and women.

What is the speaker's stance on gender reassignment surgery?

The speaker, along with the consensus of the scholars of Islam, states that gender reassignment surgery is not allowed as it is considered a form of mutilation and is against the teachings of the Sharia.

What is the speaker's view on intersex individuals?

The speaker acknowledges that intersex individuals, who are born with chromosomes that are neither XX nor XY, exist and that the Sharia has a special category for them, which is different from the transgender category.

How does the speaker differentiate between someone seeking help and someone promoting an unhealthy urge?

The speaker emphasizes that those who come for help should be met with compassion and support, whereas those who are proud of and flaunt their unhealthy urges should not be given the same treatment.

What advice does the speaker give regarding individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction?

The speaker advises against defining one's identity based on such urges, encourages seeking help discreetly, and battling these urges to gain the rewards of Allah.

What is the speaker's opinion on the role of Muslim politicians?

The speaker believes that Muslim politicians are not representatives of Islam and that people should not learn their morality from politicians. They should be corrected when they promote ideas that are against Islamic teachings.

How should the Muslim community respond to individuals struggling with gender dysphoria or same-sex attraction?

The community should respond with compassion, offer help, and guide individuals towards understanding and practicing Islamic values without shaming or alienating them.

What is the speaker's final message regarding the challenges faced by the Muslim community?

The speaker's final message is to remain firm in Islamic teachings, especially regarding gender and sexuality, and to teach the younger generation the truth without compromising on these issues, despite societal pressures.