Ruling on a Woman Visiting a Male Doctor Without a Mahram

Extracted from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women," based on the Fatwas of the Scholars of Haramain. Translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.

Question:​

What is the Islamic ruling on a modest woman visiting a male doctor for treatment, where the doctor only examines the specific body part affected by illness, and her mahram (guardian) is either unwilling to accompany her or unavailable?

Answer:​

1. Travel to See a Doctor:
   If visiting the male doctor requires travel, it is not permissible for the woman to travel alone without a mahram unless there is an absolute necessity.
2. Local Visit to a Male Doctor:
   If the male doctor is local and no travel is involved, there is no harm in visiting him provided no female doctor is available, and the examination is limited strictly to the affected area. This is based on historical precedent, as women accompanied the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) during battles and provided treatment for the wounded and care for the sick. Similarly, when there is a necessity for cross-gender medical treatment, it is permissible.
3. Avoiding Seclusion (Khalwa):
   If the treatment requires the woman to be alone with the male doctor, she must adhere to the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ):
   
   "لا يخلون رجل بامرأة إلا مع ذي محرم"
   "No man should be alone with a woman except in the presence of her mahram."
   (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 4935; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1341)
   Therefore, precautions must be taken to ensure that no unlawful seclusion (khalwa) occurs. This means that the woman should ensure that either a mahram, another woman, or a third person is present during the consultation or examination.

Conclusion:

• If the visit involves travel, a mahram’s presence is obligatory unless there is an unavoidable necessity.
• If there is no travel and no female doctor is available, it is permissible to consult a male doctor as long as there is no unlawful seclusion.

—Shaykh Muqbil bin Hadi al-Wadi’i (رحمه الله)