This content is extracted from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women", based on the fatwas of the scholars of Haramain and translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Question:
What is the ruling on a male doctor treating a female patient, including placing his hand on her head, in the presence of her close male relatives? Furthermore, what is the ruling on seeking assistance from jinn in medical treatment, especially when their truthfulness cannot be verified?
Question:
What is the ruling on a male doctor treating a female patient, including placing his hand on her head, in the presence of her close male relatives? Furthermore, what is the ruling on seeking assistance from jinn in medical treatment, especially when their truthfulness cannot be verified?
Answer:
- Treatment of Women by Male Doctors:
In cases of necessity, it is permissible for a male doctor to treat a female patient and vice versa, provided there is no fitnah (temptation) involved. This is based on the precedent set during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), where women participated in battles to nurse the wounded and provide medicine to the ill.
However, if the doctor fears being tempted or falling into sinful behavior, then safeguarding one’s religion (Deen) is of primary importance. In such cases, it is better to avoid the treatment. Similarly, if there is concern that the woman might be led to temptation, the treatment should also be avoided. The presence of a close male relative (mahram) during the treatment adds an additional layer of precaution and reduces the risk of any inappropriate behavior.
- Seeking Assistance from Jinn in Treatment:
Scholars caution against seeking assistance from jinn in medical treatments for the following reasons:- The truthfulness of the jinn cannot be verified.
- Their involvement could lead to reliance on unseen entities whose intentions and nature remain unknown.
- The appropriate method for diagnosing and treating illnesses is through the recitation of the Quran and other permissible means. This is sufficient and aligns with Islamic principles.
Advice:
- While treating the opposite gender is permissible in necessity, both parties should exercise caution to avoid fitnah.
- The reliance on jinn for treatment is discouraged due to uncertainty and potential risks to faith and practice. The Quran and permissible remedies should be the primary recourse for treatment.