What is the ruling on a woman following up her pregnancy and childbirth with a male Muslim doctor, given the availability of female doctors who may not be of the same competence?
The fundamental principle is that a Muslim woman should be treated by a female Muslim doctor. It is not permissible for a non-Muslim or a foreign man to see of her what is not allowed, except in cases of necessity or dire need. The jurists have agreed on the permissibility of a doctor looking at the awrah (private parts) to the extent of necessity, and the treatment should ideally be administered by a woman. The Shafiis and Hanbalis held that it is necessary for someone to be present who can prevent any forbidden acts from occurring if the doctor is a foreign man to the patient. It is not permissible for a non-mahram man to treat a woman except in cases of necessity if no female doctors are available.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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