What is the ruling on the paternity of a child born to a man who has had both his penis and testicles removed?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Mutual Imprecation (Li'an)

Book 43 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The lineage is not attributed to a man who has had both his penis and testicles removed, according to the general opinion of scholars, because ejaculation and penetration are impossible for him. Likewise, if only the testicles are removed while the penis remains, the lineage is not attributed because the fluid from which the child is formed is not discharged.

Supporting text

The companions of our school (Ashaabuna) hold that the lineage is attributed in the latter case (penis intact, testicles removed) because penetration is conceivable, and a thin fluid might be discharged. However, the ruling is that since this typically does not create offspring, and the necessary fluid was not produced, it is treated like the case where the penis is removed entirely. Attribution is established if only the penis is removed, because masturbation (Musahaqah) might lead to the discharge of semen that creates a child. Scholars of Al-Shafi'i have a difference of opinion on this secondary case mirroring our own difference.