Diagnostic imaging of women by men and its relationship to fasting and touching

Question: 49994

I work in the x-ray field, which includes imaging of women which is required in order to examine female patients. What is the ruling on fasting for the woman who has to have such imaging done – should she break her fast and repeat it later on? What is the ruling on my wudoo’ if I examine a woman for the purpose of imaging, noting that I wear gloves during the examination?.

Answer

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah and his family.

Firstly:

Having x-rays done does not affect the fast, and it is not regarded as one of the things that invalidate the fast, unless the patient takes medicine or is told by the doctor to eat or drink something before the x-ray (or other procedure), in which case the fast is broken because of eating or drinking.

Secondly:

Carrying out the examination does not affect the fast of the one who does it. We have already explained in the answer to question no. 20710 and 22757 that the correct scholarly view is that touching a non-mahram woman does not invalidate wudoo’.

It is not permissible for a man to treat a non-mahram woman or vice versa except in cases of necessity, and necessity should be evaluated in a proper manner. It is not permissible to uncover for the slightest reason or the slightest sickness, and it is not permissible to look at more than the site of pain that needs to be uncovered. And it is not permissible for the medic and the patient to be alone together. The answer to question no. 2198 explains the ruling on men treating women.

It is haraam for a man to touch a non-mahram woman and vice versa. Putting on gloves makes the matter less serious if it is essential for treatment.

And Allaah knows best.

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