Question...

Question: Sometimes the practising physician feels that he has to uncover certain parts, other than the private parts, of the female patient [for examination]. Is it permissible for him to uncover her body in the following circumstances: d. When a female physician is available, yet costly? e. When the patient is not in danger, although she is sick regardless? f. What is the rule if the part that the physician has to examine is a private part? Answer: a.

If visiting a female physician is possible, it is not permissible [for a female patient to uncover her body for a male physician], unless the cost is so much that it will hurt her financial situation. b. It is permissible, if not visiting that male physician will harm [her health-wise] or put her in a serious inconvenience that is not normally tolerated. c. The rule is the same as explained above; and in both the cases, he must only uncover the parts that need examining.

And if it is possible to treat the case without looking directly at the parts that are haram to look at (for example, if he can see through a monitor or a mirror), that should be the course of action, based on precaution. Question: Some experts of genetic engineering claim that they can improve the human race by altering the genes in the following ways: g. Removing the ugliness of the face; h. Replacing it with beautiful characteristics; i. By both of the above.

Is it permissible for the scientists to engage in these kinds of activities? Is it permissible for a Muslim to allow the doctors to alter his genes? Answer: If there are no side effects, then, in principle, there is no problem in it. Question: Pharmaceutical companies in the West run tests on the drugs they manufacture before selling them in the market.

Is it permissible for a doctor to use a drug on his patient —without the knowledge of the patient— before its testing period is over thinking that that particular drug would cure the disease? Answer: It is necessary to inform the patient about the situation and seek his consent on using the drug on him, except when he is sure that the drug would not cause side effects and that the doubt is only about its benefit [or otherwise].

Question: In certain cases, some governmental agencies demand that autopsy be performed on the body of the deceased to establish the cause of death. When is it permissible to agree to their demand and when is it not?