What is the ruling of Islamic law on the phenomenon of the spread of the "third gender" (a man transforming into a woman) and the "fourth gender" (a woman transforming into a man) through the intake of hormones, and the subsequent plucking of eyebrows and application of makeup?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
The phenomenon of gender reassignment has two cases:
1. First Case: If reliable medical reports prove that a person possesses reproductive organs contrary to their outward appearance, then there is no objection to performing a gender reassignment surgery. 2. Second Case: If medical reports prove that a man possesses male organs and a woman possesses female organs, then gender reassignment in this case is Haram (forbidden) without dispute, whether through surgery or hormones.
As for a man applying makeup specifically for women, it is Haram in all cases, due to its resemblance to women, and this is considered one of the major sins.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/115329
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 115329
- Imported
- Translation status
- Source text, unreviewed
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy