A Sex-Change Problem Complicated by Disputes Over Inheritance

The story of a young Saudi man, Ahmad, who has become a woman has created a furor in the Kingdom — not only because he changed his sex but also because, as a man, he inherited a large sum of money from his millionaire father. He changed his sex only after inheriting; according to Islamic law, as a woman, he would inherit half of what a man inherits. His relatives have filed a lawsuit, accusing him of deception and asking the court to re-divide the inheritance. Sayidaty, a sister publication of Arab News, investigatedthe case. The subject’s name as a woman has been withheld at her request.