Can I Show My Awra to a Non-Muslim Doctor?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

As a male, an ailment of the lower regions has been gravely afflicting me for a long time with pain and fatigue. It’s not life-threatening.

My research has led me to a male, non-Muslim doctor of decent repute, with reasonable availability. However, recovery may not be guaranteed, should medical attention be sought.

In this case, is it permissible to undergo treatment?

Answer

I pray you are well.

Yes, it is permissible for you to seek treatment for this illness. The sunna encourages seeking medical treatment. One should remember that the healing comes from Allah, and one is merely seeking the means. Every illness can be cured, but not every patient is cured.

The Messenger of Allah, Allah blessing him and give him peace, said, “Seek medical treatment, O Servants of Allah; for Allah has not manifested an illness save that He has manifested with it a healing – except for decrepitude.” (Ibn Maja)

Going to a non-Muslim doctor is fine, even it it entails showing your ‘awra. This is clearly a necessity, and an illness does not have to be life threatening in order for showing your ‘awra to be considered a necessity. (Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al Muhtar)

May Allah grant you a complete healing and wellbeing. Amin.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.