Isa Zega Umrah Using Hijab, MUI: Gender Operations Don't Change Status In Religious Laws

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Anwar Abbas commented on the viral action of the transgender influencer, Isa Zega, who carried out the Umrah pilgrimage wearing a hijab.

Anwar emphasized that in the view of Islam, a person's gender status is in accordance with the gifts and destiny that has been determined by Allah SWT.

So the change in gender through surgery does not change the true gender status.

"If someone changes their genitals through surgery, it will not change their status as a man or a woman," said Anwar Abbas as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, November 21.

Anwar explained that exceptions only apply to those who are born with double or imperfect gender, where surgery to clarify genitals is allowed.

However, if a person with perfect gender performs surgery to change gender, then it is considered an act that is haram according to Islamic teachings.

Anwar emphasized that even though someone has changed their genitals, the law that applies to them remains based on their original gender.

"If a man is born and then performs sex surgery, then he will still be subject to legal provisions as a boy. For example, in the distribution of inheritance, boys will get twice the share compared to girls," he said.

Anwar also emphasized that in worship, including congregational prayers, someone who has changed gender must still be in line according to his original gender.

"Likewise in congregational prayers, these people must be in the ranks of men or women according to their original gender," said Anwar.