In Islamic jurisprudence, these two categories are treated very differently.
The first is a physical
biological condition (Khuntha), and the second is a behavioral or psychological inclination
(Mukhannath).
Here is the detailed ruling with authentic proofs:
1. The Hermaphrodite (Al-Khuntha - )اْلُخْنَثى
This refers to an individual born with both male and female reproductive organs or with
ambiguous genitalia. Islamic law treats this as a medical condition and a "decree of Allah" that is
beyond the person’s control.
* The Ruling: Jurisprudents divide them into two types:
* The Non-Ambiguous (Khuntha Ghayr Mushkil): If physical signs (like menstruation or facial
hair) eventually show a clear inclination toward one gender, they are legally treated as that
gender in all matters (inheritance, prayer, marriage).
* The Ambiguous (Khuntha al-Mushkil): If no clear gender emerges, scholars apply specific
"precautionary" laws to ensure they do not violate the boundaries of either gender (e.g., they
stand in their own row in prayer between the men and the women).
* Textual Proof:
Islam recognizes that gender is generally binary but acknowledges physical variations. Allah
says:
> "To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what he wills. He
gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males." (Surah Ash-
Shura 42:49)
>
Scholarship on inheritance (Fara'id) developed specific rules for the Khuntha based on the
Hadith of the Prophet ( )ﷺnarrated by Ibn Abbas, stating that their inheritance is determined by
"from where they urinate" (indicating the dominant biological function).
2. Natural Effeminacy vs. Imitation (Al-Mukhannath - )اْلُمَخَّنث
This refers to a biological male who acts like a woman. Islam distinguishes between those who
are born with a soft nature and those who intentionally imitate the opposite sex.
Category A: The Natural Mukhannath (An-Khalqi)
This is a man who is naturally soft-spoken, has feminine gestures, or a gentle disposition
without any intention to imitate women or engage in immoral behavior.
* The Ruling: There is no sin or blame on this person because it is their natural creation
(Khilqah). However, they are commanded to try their best to adopt masculine traits and are
forbidden from using their nature to gain access to private women's spaces.
Category B: The Intentional Imitator (Al-Mutashabbih)
This refers to a man who intentionally mimics women in dress, voice, or behavior, or a woman
who mimics men.
* The Ruling: This is strictly forbidden (Haraam) and is considered one of the major sins.
* Textual Proof:
It is narrated by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him):
> "The Messenger of Allah ( )ﷺcursed the men who act like women and the women who act
like men." (Sahih Bukhari, 5885)
>
In another narration:
> "The Prophet ( )ﷺcursed the Mukhannathiin (effeminate men) and the Mutarajjilat
(masculine women), and he said: 'Turn them out of your houses.'" (Sahih Bukhari, 5886)
>
3. Summary of Differences
| Feature | Al-Khuntha (Biological) | Al-Mukhannath (Behavioral) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Birth defect / Biological variation | Natural disposition or intentional choice |
| Responsibility | No sin; they follow medical/legal rulings | Sinful only if they intentionally imitate
or act immorally |
| Medical Intervention | Permissible to perform surgery to clarify the dominant gender |
Forbidden to undergo "gender reassignment" surgery to change a clear sex |
Key Principle: In Islam, the legal identity is based on the biological sex. If a man "feels" like a
woman naturally but is biologically male, he is still legally a man and must follow the rulings of
men (Jumu'ah prayer, inheritance, etc.), but he is not punished for his natural, involuntary soft
disposition as long as he does not cross into the forbidden "imitation" or immoral acts.