Can I study to be a gynaecologist?

I am a Medical student studying in CUBA  ( Latin America ). I want a detailed Fatwa about an important issue that I am facing right now. Please give me an urgent reply after reading my complete problem.

Q: Sir, I am a medical student Studying in America. Now-a-days I am having a practical rotation in gynecology and obstetrics department. Here the scenario for medical examination is really different from that of Pakistan.

For example, When a female patient comes to the clinic, We have to do a physical examination of her genital parts thoroughly. For this, She has to put off her Clothes and lay on the bed with her legs fully open exposing her vagina and other parts. Firstly we put an instrument called “speculum” in her vagina to explore the cervix to check some bleeding, fluid discharge etc. Then after taking off speculum, We have to do a bi-manual examination (one hand on the abdomen and one or two fingers in the vagina) to palpate the cervix, uterus, ovaries and bony pelvis. And sometimes as part of our gynecological examination, we have to palpate a female breast fully naked.

All these things are to learn medical processes for the good-being of humanity.

Now my question is as a medical student living in a non-Muslim country, Is this allowed in Islam???? and If I don’t learn, How can I save a women if she comes in an emergency state in my clinic?

And I have intentions to work here after my studies. So can I do all this to learn ????

Please reply me soon as I have to do this daily in these days.

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

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Islam is a dynamic religion that covers all facets of life and takes into account all situations that might arise within a society. Although Shari’ah has considered the need of the people as well in regards to the field of medicine[1], it has placed certain conditions that must be fulfilled in such cases, especially when one has to cross the line between halāl and harām[2]. When speaking of a profession such as gynecology, there are numerous ayāt and ahādīth that point to the severity of looking at the opposite gender. Even though there are apparent benefits from engaging in such a field, it is not enough to turn a blind-eye to the Shar’ī repercussions that such a job holds.

In regards to wine and gambling, Allah Ta’ālā says in the Holy Quran:

يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ قُلْ فِيهِمَا إِثْمٌ كَبِيرٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَإِثْمُهُمَا أَكْبَرُ مِنْ نَفْعِهِمَا 

They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, “In both there is great sin, and benefits for people. And their sin is greater than their benefit.[3]

It is clear from this verse that there are certain things in this world which may hold a benefit, but the sin resulting therefrom can be greater than the benefits one reaps from it.

While you may have stepped into gynecology with a noble intention, it is clear that such a field holds many implications that are contrary to Shari’ah. Only in instances of dire need where women doctors are unavailable has Shari’ah given room for male doctors to even treat patients in such a manner.[4]

As such, we advise you to apply for another field of medicine that does not involve such direct contact with women.[5] Even if you find difficulty in doing so, such a sacrifice is worth saving your iman and safeguarding your morals as a Muslim. If you do not have the capacity to do so, then you should continuously make tawbah and acknowledge the fact that your current line of work is challenging on the nafs and may trespass the limits set by Shari’ah. While continuing your studies, you should further exercise caution and try your best to stay away from such situations.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Bilal Mohammad 

Student Darul Iftaa
USA 

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

www.daruliftaa.net