Can a Male Muslim Doctor Examine and Treat Female Patients?
Question
Assalamo alaikom wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, I am doing my spesialisation in gastroenterological surgery in Norway. A part of my work includes examination and treating diseases of the anus as well as colonoscopies. Here in Norway they donโt segregate between male and female patients. So as a male doctor I sometimes must treat female patients. If this is kept entirely professional of course, my intention is only to treat the disease, and I detest being in that situation (by feeling bad, or having bad conscience), is it Haram? JazakAllah khair
Islamic Ruling & Answer
Walekumussalam warahmatullahi wabaraktu,
if a female doctor is available in the field, female patients should be referred to her. However, if a female doctor is not available, it is permissible in Shariah to uncover only what is necessary for treatment.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
March 17, 2026 ยท Updated July 02, 2026
Researched & verified under our editorial & answer-review policy.
Related Questions
Support AskMuftiOnline
Your contribution helps scholars answer more questions and keeps this platform free for everyone.
Contribute Now