The Deen of Islam is a complete, perfect and pure way of life. Being complete – the Deen of Islam teaches man how to live every moment of his life and how to conduct himself in every situation. At the time of birth and death, marriage and divorce, through childhood and adulthood – our lives are governed by the laws of Islam and the pristine sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
In the Quraan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala commands us to enter into Islam in totality. In other words, we should ensure that we embrace and uphold every law and teaching of Islam, in every department of our lives at every moment.
Among the various departments of human living is the department of seeking medical treatment. There are many important laws of the sharee‘ah which pertain to us in this regard as well. Furthermore, there are specific rulings with regards to a woman observing hayaa whilst seeking medical treatment.
At the very outset, it should be borne in mind that a Muslim woman’s life revolves around hayaa, purdah and concealment, and avoiding meeting, interacting and communicating with strange men. Therefore, she should try her utmost to seek medical treatment from a female Muslim doctor. If there is no female Muslim doctor available, then she should go to a female non-Muslim doctor. If there is no female doctor available, then out of necessity, she can go to a male doctor. Nevertheless, in this case, she should look for a pious, upright Muslim doctor.
Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas Kandhelwi (rahimahullah) Not Taking an Injection from a Female Doctor
When the great saint and revivalist, Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas Kandhelwi (rahimahullah), was proceeding for his final hajj in 1357 A.H, there were two passenger ships in Karachi that were competing with one another in attracting passengers. One of the passenger ships reduced the ticket price to 55 rupees. However, the passengers boarding this ship had to take a vaccination which was being administered by a female doctor.
When Moulana (rahimahullah) learnt of this, he became angry and said, “People are going to fulfil a great obligation of Deen, and yet they are (allowing a female to touch their bodies, thereby) committing an impermissible action?! I will not accept a vaccination from a non-mahram female!”
Moulana (rahimahullah) was informed that if they do not hasten to board the ship now, after taking the vaccination (from the female doctor), then they might lose this discount and will have to pay 182 rupees instead of 55 rupees.
However, Moulana (rahimahullah) responded, “Despite how much the ticket may cost (I am not prepared to allow a female to touch my body).” Saying this, Moulana (rahimahullah) rejected their suggestion and the entire group remained where they were.
Eventually, when the ship company learnt of what had happened, they made multiple phone calls, seeking a male doctor. Finally, a male doctor arrived, overcome with annoyance and irritation. He asked, “Where is the Peer Sahib who is not willing to take the vaccination from the female doctor?”
Thereafter, Moulana (rahimahullah) and the rest of the group took the vaccination from the male doctor, and they also received the tickets for the discounted price of 55 rupees.
Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahimahullah) then said, “No non-mahram woman has ever touched my body (throughout my life). Only once did it happen when I went to see a lady who was ill (in order to make du‘aa for her). As she was in the last moments of her life, she tried to take hold of my hand, but I quickly withdrew my hand and only the tip of my fingers came into contact with her hand.” (Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas aur un ki Deeni Da’wat pg. 267)
Upholding Hayaa and Purdah
Another important point is that if it is possible for a woman to receive treatment from home (through the doctor making a home visit), then this will be the ideal. If this is not possible, then at the time of going to the doctor (or dentist, etc.), hayaa and purdah must be upheld. Hence, when leaving the home to go to the doctor (whether male or female), a woman should be dressed Islamically (with purdah, wearing loose fitting, unattractive clothing, etc.). Similarly, it is extremely important for her to be accompanied by a mahram when going for a medical check up to the doctor, etc. as well.
In the case of going to a female doctor, then the male mahram should wait outside the doctor’s room, as it is necessary for him to adopt purdah from the female doctor on account of her being a non-mahram. However, if a woman is going to a male doctor, then her mahram must accompany her into the doctor’s office/room.
In the case where the doctor is a male, then in order to uphold hayaa, eye-contact must be avoided, and unnecessary conversation, compliments and exchanging of ‘pleasantries’ should not take place. Rather, the visit should be brief and to the point.
Exposing the Satar to the Extent of Need
When there is a need to expose the satar area (whether with a male or female doctor), then one should take care to only open the area required. If there is a need to expose a part of the chest or leg, then only the required area should be exposed, and the remainder area of the limb should be covered.
If there is no need to expose the satar area, then the satar must not be opened. In this regard, we have heard of a pious Muslim doctor whose practice was to give the injection through the pants. Since the needle can penetrate the material, and there is no specific vein to target in the case of injections administered to the buttocks, he upheld hayaa by giving the injection through the pants, instead of lowering the pants and exposing the satar.