Why is Transgerder-ism an Issue?

Assalamualaikum,

This entry might seem insensitive or inappropriate by some, but regardless, I'll write it anyway as subtly as I can.

It's sad that Mohd Ashraf Hafiz Ab­­dul Aziz (I'm using his given name, because to me he was never a woman) died of a heart attack at such a young age. Its almost suspicious that someone so young suffered a heart attack just days after being denied by the courts permission to change his name. But I'm not here to dispute the cause of death, I'll take the word of the doctors for it. So my condolences to the family. Regardless of the issue prior to his death, he was family and for that I pray his family stays strong during this fasting month.

Here comes the "insensitive" part. I don't understand why the country seems to be so "shocked" by his death. I'm shocked because he suffered a heart attack at such a young age, but that's about it. It is sad whenever anybody dies, especially when they are so young, but why does the whole country seem to mourn the death of this particular individual? I understand why people would mourn someone's death if he/she contributed greatly to society in one way or another, but I don't think Mohd Ashraf Hafiz gave any significant contributions to the country, correct me if I'm wrong.

We have politicians saying that trangenders should be given equal rights just as any other human being. Some are now saying that the government should pay more attention to transgerders' problems and understand their situation more closely. I agree that when an individual has problems, society should be there to provide support and guidance, but when the problem is sex-change, which is clearly prohibited in Islam, how far can we go in helping them? Counselling is necessary, men who think they are women and vice versa obviously are confused and need help. But I don't think in a Muslim nation, when a Muslim is confused about his/her gender, we should be supportive of their decision and encourage others to accept and embrace their condition. Islam prohibits sex-change, even men dressing up like women is prohibited. So why does it seem like many people are paying tribute to someone who clearly has gone against the religion?

I don't buy the "woman's spirit trapped in a man's body" theory. God doesn't make mistakes. If he makes you a man, you're a man, and vice versa. If you have XY chromosomes, you're a man; XX you're a woman. You can't change your genetic profile even if you change your physical appearance.

Why haven't I seen anyone praising the courts for their decision to deny the name change when it was obviously the right call according to Islam? All I've seen is people paying tribute to the victim.

Sorry if I've been insensitive, but that's how I see things. If you think an individual has the right to change his/her gender and that it is their own choice, you clearly are against Islamic principals.

PS: My views are based on my understanding of Islam, and concern the victim who I believe is Muslim. The arguments don't necessarily apply to non-Muslims who may not share the same views.

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