Is it obligatory for an ambiguous hermaphrodite (Khuntha Mushkil) to avoid sewn garments (al-mikhayyat)?

Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him

Al-Mughni

Book of Hajj

Book 11 · Issue 1 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is not obligatory for the ambiguous hermaphrodite to avoid sewn garments because the certainty of masculinity, which necessitates avoidance, cannot be established. The default assumption is the absence of obligation, and obligation is not established merely through doubt.

Supporting text

Ibn al-Mubarak stated that the ambiguous hermaphrodite must cover his head and render expiation (kaffarah). However, the correct view is that expiation is not obligatory because the default is its absence, and it is not imposed based on doubt.