singers at weddings—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—except women, such as slave women and young girls. When a man imitates them, he becomes effeminate. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, cursed effeminate men and women who imitate men. Likewise, the beardless youths who attend these listening gatherings, whom they call “witnesses,” exhibit effeminacy to the extent that they imitate women, and incur the curse to that same extent.

It is authentically reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, ordered effeminate men to be banished, saying: “Expel them from your homes.” How, then, can we go near them, venerate them, and make them false objects of veneration, exalted for the very falsehood that Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, and whose practitioners they have commanded to be punished and humbled? This opposes Allah’s command, for the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “Whoever intercedes to prevent the enforcement of one of Allah’s prescribed punishments has opposed Allah in His command.” Narrated by Abū Dāwūd. If this applies to interceding with words, what, then, of someone who venerates