Is It Permissible for Teachers to Check If Girls Are Menstruating?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it permissible for teachers to check girls’ underwear or private areas to verify if they are menstruating, especially if they are minors?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

It is unlawful for teachers or anyone else to check a minor girl’s private areas to verify if she is menstruating. Modesty is enshrined in Sacred Law and is the distinguishing characteristic of our Umma. [Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj]

Modesty is Priority

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Verily, every religion has a character, and the character of Islam is modesty.” [Ibn Maja]

Regardless of age, it is considered inappropriate and unlawful to view the private parts of minors, as this is not just prohibited by Islamic law, but likely by secular laws in your country as well, and for good reason.

Even for verification purposes, children’s private areas are off limits. We must remember that these actions are a clear violation of privacy and can cause harm to the child’s emotional and psychological well-being.

Exceptions for Necessity

Allah (Most High) says:

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts.” [Quran, 24:31]

This principle of modesty is universally applicable, and it is critical to maintain these boundaries when dealing with minors. Of course, Sacred Law accommodates the necessities of parenting, but exposure of the private parts should not extend beyond this, except for medical necessity, and Allah knows best. [Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj]

Teachers (everyone, really) should respect the dignity and privacy of their students and avoid any actions that compromise their modesty. Suppose there is a need to verify menstruation. In that case, it must be done through appropriate means, such as a direct conversation, and it should involve only the necessary people (the parent and the learner) respectfully and dignifiedly.

May Allah (Most High) guide us all to act in accordance with His laws, protecting the honor and dignity of every individual.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.