Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question
I am a male, and I have a habit of acting like a woman when I’m alone. I wear fake gold plated jewelry and ladies’ scarfs – not full-dress – and admire myself in the mirror. I’m not gay and only do this where no one can see me. Is this game I play haram? If so, is it a major sin or minor?
Answer
I pray you are well.
This game of yours is not permissible. You should stop it, turn to Allah with tawba, and seek forgiveness.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men. [Bukhari] This narration implies a punishment – being distanced from Allah’s mercy – which indicates this sin is an enormity.
This is due to the harm that such actions bring upon individuals and society in general. Actions that affect one’s fitra (default human state) end up affecting people’s actions and relationships negatively. This brings harm to society, so the door to these actions has been closed with this prohibition.
Try your best to stop it. If you still feel an urge to continue, you should seek some form of therapy, as this isn’t normal behavior for a young man, and, unfortunately, these symptoms do not occur in a vacuum. There is usually a set of traumatic experiences that lead to it.
May Allah facilitate the matter for you in the best way.
[Shyakh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani