detrimental to the ward; in that case, the right passes to the next guardian in order and, failing that, to the ruler.
(b) The ruler may compel people to seek treatment in certain circumstances, such as contagious diseases and preventive immunisations.
(c) In emergencies where the patient’s life is at risk, treatment need not await permission.
(d) Medical research may be conducted only with the consent of a fully competent person, and that consent must be free of any trace of coercion (as in the case of prisoners) or material inducement (as with the destitute). No research may be carried out on those who wholly or partially lack legal competence, even with their guardians’ approval. And Allah knows best.
Decision of the Islamic Fiqh Council of the Muslim World League on the guidelines for exposing the private parts during medical treatment
All praise belongs to Allah alone, and blessings and peace be upon the one after whom there is no prophet, our master and Prophet Muḥammad, and upon his family and Companions. To proceed:
The Islamic Fiqh Council of the Muslim World League, in its fourteenth session held in Makkah al-Mukarramah, which commenced on Saturday, 20 Shaʿbān 1415 AH (21/1/1995 CE), examined this issue and issued the following resolution:
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The basic ruling of the Sharia is that it is impermissible for a man to view a woman’s private parts, or vice versa, and likewise impermissible for a woman to view another woman’s private parts, or a man those of another man.
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The Council reaffirms what was adopted by the Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference in its Resolution No. 85/12/85 dated 1–7/1/1414 AH, which states: “The default is that, whenever a qualified Muslim female physician is available, she must examine the female patient; if none is available, then a non-”