This excerpt is taken from the book 500 Questions and Answers for Women, which is based on the fatwas of the scholars of Haramain. The translation was done by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
However, when a woman is in the presence of non-mahram men, she is required to cover her entire body, including her face, whether she is in prayer or in the state of Ihram.
The Islamic legal wisdom (Maslahah Shar'iyyah) behind this ruling is that a sufficient number of Muslim doctors and female physicians should be trained. If Muslims were to avoid studying such fields, they would be forced to rely on non-Muslim doctors, which could lead to various harms and disadvantages. Since Islamic law seeks to achieve benefits (Masalih) and prevent harms (Mafasid), this necessity is recognized and permitted.
— (Fatwa by the Saudi Fatwa Committee)
Question:
A medical student is required to study gynecology and childbirth, which includes practical sessions where viewing such medical procedures is mandatory. Passing this subject is essential for promotion to the next semester. This creates significant challenges for us. We seek a fatwa on this matter.Answer:
The fundamental Islamic ruling on this matter is that covering the 'awrah (private parts) is obligatory for both men and women. The 'awrah of a man extends from the navel to the knees, while the 'awrah of a free woman includes her entire body, except for the face and hands in certain situations, such as during prayer or in the state of Ihram.However, when a woman is in the presence of non-mahram men, she is required to cover her entire body, including her face, whether she is in prayer or in the state of Ihram.
Exception in Cases of Necessity
In situations of necessity, exposing the 'awrah becomes permissible, and when there is a legitimate Shari' need, viewing it also becomes permissible. For this reason, it is allowed for medical students—both male and female—to observe such practical procedures related to gynecology and childbirth in order to complete their studies, qualify for the next semester, and obtain their medical degrees.The Islamic legal wisdom (Maslahah Shar'iyyah) behind this ruling is that a sufficient number of Muslim doctors and female physicians should be trained. If Muslims were to avoid studying such fields, they would be forced to rely on non-Muslim doctors, which could lead to various harms and disadvantages. Since Islamic law seeks to achieve benefits (Masalih) and prevent harms (Mafasid), this necessity is recognized and permitted.
— (Fatwa by the Saudi Fatwa Committee)