Is the female doctor responsible for the death of a female patient whose condition was later diagnosed as a stroke, given that the doctor was unable to locate the patient's family or pay the blood money?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
A newly graduated doctor is not liable and does not sin if he is unable to diagnose a condition or is delayed in diagnosing it and prescribing its treatment, so long as he has exerted his utmost effort and fulfilled his duty. The death of a patient is not considered accidental killing unless experts rule that the cause of death was the doctor's negligence or dereliction. The default is blamelessness, as stated by Ibn Hazm, Al-Izz ibn Abd al-Salam, and Al-Juwayni, until it is proven with certainty that there is a reason for liability or sinfulness.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 183589
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy