Pakistan’s first transgender-only Islamic school, also known as a madrasa was set up by Rani Khan, a transgender woman who was disowned by her family when she was 13.
Though there is no official restriction in Pakistan that stops transgender people from attending religious schools or praying at mosques, transgender people are often ostracised. The madrasa is an important milestone for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Muslim majority country.
The founder of the madrasa, a 34-year-old Rani Khan set up the school with her life savings. She told Reuters that “Most families do not accept transgender people. They throw them out of their homes. Transgender people turn to wrongdoing. At one time, I was also one of them.”
Khan stated that while the transgender-only Islamic school did not receive aid from the government, some officials promised that they would help students find jobs. The madrasa offers transgender people a place to worship and learn about Islam. Khan said that “I’m teaching the Koran to please God, to make my life here and in the hereafter.”
Khan also teaches her students how to sew and embroider, and hopes that they can raise funds for the transgender-only Islamic school by selling clothes.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat stated that the madrasa could help transgender people assimilate into mainstream society. He added that “I’m hopeful that if you replicate this model in other cities, things will improve.”
Pakistan’s recognised the third gender in 2018. It gives them fundamental rights such as right to vote and choose their gender.
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