What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding men imitating women? Does the description of effeminate men mentioned in the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying, "Expel them from your houses," apply to them? And what is the advice for someone afflicted with a relative who is one of them?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The imitation of men by women and vice versa is a great evil and a major sin. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed men who imitate women. However, merely shaving the beard and mustache and growing one's hair long is not considered imitation of women or effeminacy, especially with the prevalence of such practices. If one has a brother or sister who imitates the opposite gender, they should advise them and warn them of Allah's punishment. They may ostracize them if ostracism is effective in deterring them; otherwise, maintaining ties while persistently offering advice is preferable.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/164082
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 164082
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy