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Can a Neurosurgeon Perform Surgery on Members of the Opposite Sex?

30 May, 2021
Q I want to become a neurosurgeon and I would have to perform surgery on both males and females, so would it be permissible?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

As a neurosurgeon, you are allowed to perform surgery on both males and females – for training purpose – or when demanded by the ethics of your profession.


In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

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As a physician, you are allowed to perform surgery on both males and females – for training purpose – or when demanded by the ethics of your profession.

Although men are to treat men and women are to treat women, in case of necessity, it is okay for a male to treat a female or a female physician to treat a male patient.

According to the rules of jurisprudence, things otherwise deemed as impermissible can be rendered permissible because of necessity.

Anas reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to take Umm Sulaym and a group of women to accompany him to the battle to give water and treat the wounded soldiers.

We also know that when Sa`d ibn Mu`adh was injured in the war, the Prophet (peace be upon him) set up a tent for him in the Mosque and appointed a female nurse to take care of him.

Based on these reports, Imam Ash-Shawkani states:

“It is permissible for a woman to treat a male patient when necessary.”

In light of these, if you consider this as an area for you to excel and make a contribution, then you may go ahead. You don’t need to worry about treating male patients – if and when your profession demands it as long as you maintain the necessary safeguards.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Source: www.askthescholar.com