the doubts stirred up by the polytheists and the grave-worshippers concerning the Prophet’s grave—peace and blessings be upon him.
As for the last category, the author—may Allah have mercy on him—writes: “The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—cursed the men who imitate women and the women who imitate men.” Imitation may occur in speech, actions, appearance, or clothing.
• A man may imitate a woman in her voice, mimicking the female tone and speaking as though he were a woman—such a person is cursed in the words of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
• He may imitate her in dress, wearing garments worn only by women, or put a wig on his head so that he looks like a woman. Likewise, he might strap on a watch made specifically for women, for women have their own styles of watches and men have theirs; when a man wears a woman’s watch, that too falls under the curse.
• In outward demeanor he may apply makeup, sit or recline with affected softness, and walk as a woman walks—this also incurs the Prophet’s curse.
In short, a man adopting the ways of a woman is one of the major sins, and a woman adopting the ways of a man is likewise a major sin. A woman may imitate men in speech—speaking with their deep tone and inflection—or cut her hair so that it no longer reaches the shoulders and resembles a man’s style, or put on men’s clothing and men’s watches. All of this counts among the major sins, and a woman who does so is cursed in the words of the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him.
Yet if we encounter a particular man who is imitating women, should we say to him, “May Allah curse you”? No. We do not say, “May Allah curse you.” Instead, we admonish him: “The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—cursed the men who imitate women,” and the same applies to a woman. Cursing a specific individual is not permitted—even if he were an unbeliever, let alone a mere sinner. Thus it is prohibited to curse him personally. Rather, say in general terms: “Whoever among the men imitates women is cursed, and whoever among the women imitates men is cursed.” Allah alone grants success.