HERMAPHRODITE (Arabic خنشى, Khunsa)
is a person who is possessed of the organs of generation of both man and woman, and for whose spiritual existence the Muslim law legislates (vide Hidayah, vol. iv. p. 559). For example, it is a rule, with respect to equivocal hermaphrodites, that they are required to observe all the more comprehensive points of the spiritual law, but not those concerning the propriety of which, in regard to them, any doubt exists. In public prayer they must take their station between the men and the women, but in other respects observe the customs of women. (Idem, p. 561.)
is a person who is possessed of the organs of generation of both man and woman, and for whose spiritual existence the Muslim law legislates (vide Hidayah, vol. iv. p. 559). For example, it is a rule, with respect to equivocal hermaphrodites, that they are required to observe all the more comprehensive points of the spiritual law, but not those concerning the propriety of which, in regard to them, any doubt exists. In public prayer they must take their station between the men and the women, but in other respects observe the customs of women. (Idem, p. 561.)
Based on Hughes, Dictionary of Islam
© 2024 All Rights Reserved