A questioner says: A woman is afflicted with a disease in her chest and has appointments with a doctor, which compels her to expose the affected area to the doctor. What is the ruling in this matter?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you, O Shaykh. The questioner says: A woman is afflicted with a disease in her chest and has appointments with a doctor, which compels her to expose the affected area to the doctor. What is the ruling in this matter?
The Shaykh : First, we say: It is not permissible for a woman to be treated by a male doctor unless there is no woman who can perform the necessary care. If there is a woman who can perform the necessary care, she should not be treated by a man, because of the fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) that this poses for her and for the doctor. However, if necessity calls for her to go to a man because no woman is available, the doctor may look at whatever is needed for the treatment. But it is not permissible for him to be alone with this woman; rather, her wali (the bride's guardian) or one of those who is trusted must be present. As for his being alone with her in an operating room, for example, or an examination room, that is haram (forbidden), based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):Sahih Muslim 1341a.
The Shaykh : First, we say: It is not permissible for a woman to be treated by a male doctor unless there is no woman who can perform the necessary care. If there is a woman who can perform the necessary care, she should not be treated by a man, because of the fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) that this poses for her and for the doctor. However, if necessity calls for her to go to a man because no woman is available, the doctor may look at whatever is needed for the treatment. But it is not permissible for him to be alone with this woman; rather, her wali (the bride's guardian) or one of those who is trusted must be present. As for his being alone with her in an operating room, for example, or an examination room, that is haram (forbidden), based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):