Muslim female doctor; if she is likewise unavailable, the task passes to a Muslim male physician, and if no Muslim physician can be found, a non-Muslim male physician may take his place—on condition that he look at no more of the woman’s body than is strictly required for diagnosing and treating the illness, that he avert his gaze as much as possible, and that the examination be conducted in the presence of a maḥram, the husband, or a trustworthy woman, so as to avoid seclusion.” End quote.
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In all the situations mentioned above, no one may join the physician except a person whose participation is medically indispensable, and such a person must keep confidential any information that comes to his knowledge.
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Those in charge of health care and hospitals are obliged to safeguard the private parts of Muslim men and women by issuing special regulations that realise this objective, penalising anyone who fails to respect Islamic morals, and arranging whatever is necessary to keep the body covered, ensuring that it is not uncovered during surgery except to the extent required, by means of clothing that is Islamically appropriate.
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The Council recommends the following:
(a) Health officials should revise health-care policy—in conception, methodology, and implementation—so that it accords with our noble Islamic religion and its lofty ethical standards, giving full attention to removing hardship from Muslims, preserving their dignity, and protecting their honour.
(b) Every hospital should have a Sharia adviser on site to guide and counsel patients.
May blessings and abundant peace be upon our master Muḥammad, and upon his family and Companions. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.