Question: What would you say about a eunuch’s character?
Answer: In our part of the world some of the eunuchs are actually eunuchs, whereas others are actually a third gender, usually named ‘Khunšā’ or ‘Khunšā Mushkil’. Some of them are decent and Almighty-fearing people, whereas others adopt begging, dancing, prostitution as a profession and hence earn unlawful money and make themselves worthy of Hell. Beware! Never let any of these enter your homes and do not encourage their sinful behaviour by giving them any money; giving charity to a habitual beggar is also a sin.
Question: Some eunuchs are extremely persistent and do not get off our backs until they receive some money, especially in weddings and birthdays. They usually insist in such occasions and behave with extreme shamelessness if they are not given any money. What should we do in such cases?
Answer: Try your very best to get rid of them and if their behaviour is highly embarrassing then it is permissible for you to give them some money with the intention of silencing them. Several Aḥādīš prove that if a poet insults someone with his poetry then it is permissible for him to pay the poet to silence him. Although this is bribery, giving bribery in this case is permissible. However, taking it is still Ḥarām and leads to Hell.
Important information about the ‘third gender’
Question: I understand that a eunuch is physically a man, but can you please define the ‘third gender’ i.e. a ‘Khunšā’ and ‘Khunšā Mushkil’ and their physical features.