Is using the name "Muslim" in its feminine form on mixed forums – knowing that the user's gender is not visible to members and they treat them as male – considered deception and lying? And what is the ruling on entering mixed forums (whether Islamic or scientific), and what are the regulations for that?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is better to avoid referring to a woman as "Muslim" or adding the feminine marker (tā’ al-ta’nīth) to it, because, although it encompasses both male and female, its use can give the impression that the referent is male. This is an obfuscation that is not necessitated, but if there is a need, then there is no harm. Writing that the gender is female is of no benefit as long as it does not appear to the members.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/102935
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 102935
- 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