KOTA BARU: The umrah performed by a Muslim transgender remains valid even though the individual had changed his or her physical form.
Citing the case of local entrepreneur Muhammad Sajad Kamaruzzaman or Nur Sajat as an example, Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad said the obligations performed by such individuals during umrah were valid for as long as they had met all the conditions for the pilgrimage.
"The issue of Sajat wearing a woman's attire is a different issue, but as long as the person covered the aurat (body parts that need to be covered based on Islamic teachings), the umrah is valid.
"Islam prohibits 'tasyabbuh' (vagueness) that involves many factors, especially when it comes to matters related to worship. But what is important (in this case) is that the transgender individual must be careful.
"The person can only interact with those of his or her original gender, especially while the person is at the mosque in the Holy Land.
"This kind of issue is occurring for the first time in our country. Hopefully, the relevant authority will solve the matter smoothly," Shukri told reporters.
He then hoped that Nur Sajat would return to the right path while in the Holy Land.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa had yesterday expressed disappointment with Nur Sajat who recently appeared in female prayer attire (telekung) in Makkah.
Mujahid said he received many complaints from pilgrims and those who witnessed Nur Sajat, dressed in female prayer attire, mingling in the female prayer section over there.
He said this had led to them feeling uncomfortable. Mujahid said the act has tarnished the image of Islam and he is still waiting for a report as he was made to understand that Nur Sajat is still in Makkah.
Nur Sajat, whose gender has been a subject of debate for years, is currently in Makkah to perform the umrah.
However, the entrepreneur courted controversy after donning the telekung in videos posted on Instagram.
The postings were then shared on other social media platforms and went viral, with Nur Sajat's Instagram now set for private view.