- The ruling on illicit gazing is the same as that passed on illicit touch.

●The ruling on illicit gazing is the same as that passed on illicit touch. Thus, the cases are governed by the same parameters as detailed in the preceding answers to the examples posed. * If the patient was a woman and the medical practitioner was a man, would the same rulings outlined in the previous examples apply? - Yes.

* Some non-conformist husbands require their wives to a) abandon prayer and hijab (Islamic dress), b) serve their guests with alcoholic drink, c) force them to join in gambling sessions, and d) shake hands with men. If the wife is coerced to do all these vile deeds, has she the right to walk out on such husbands for the sake of upholding her religious obligations? - Yes, it is within their legal right to do so; it should, however, be confined to that which is necessary.

Such wives would still be entitled to full maintenance from their husbands. * Suppose a wife was insistent on wearing hijab. Her husband was equally adamant that she should not wear it, thus leaving her with no alternative but to ask for divorce. What can she do? She must not part with hijab, albeit this may lead to her husband divorcing her. * Yet, choosing this course of action may pose untold difficulty and embarrassment to some women. Should they still embark on it?

●Yes, they must patiently persevere in such a predicament, and call to remembrance Allah’s Words, “..and whoever is mindful of (his duty to) Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out, and gives him sustenance whence he thinks not; and whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him; surely, Allah attains His purpose; Allah indeed has appointed a measure for everything”. (65/2,3).

* Could I move on and ask about matters relating to human reproduction: The use of contraceptives is commonplace these days. If this was not feasible due to fear of harm or out of necessity, can the woman seek medical advice that may entail local examination by a man doctor or a woman doctor, especially when pregnancy could endanger her health or cause her unnecessary trouble?

●For the reasons explained in the question, she can do whatever it takes to avoid an untenable situation or harm that may be triggered by pregnancy and conventional contraceptives. Yet, she should opt for a woman doctor to examine her body, which could include her reproduction system. Only as a last resort, could she seek the attention of a man doctor.

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