The Creed of Compassion-Islamic Teachings & Answering Doctrinal Misconceptions

Issue No. 2080- It is haram for a man to look at the body of a non-maḥram woman, regardless of whether it is with a lustful sensation or not. Similarly, it is haram for a woman to look at the body of a Non-maḥram man. However, there is no problem in a man looking at the face and hands - up to the wrists - of a woman, if it is not lustful and if it does not entail corruption and sin. Similarly, there is no objection in a woman looking, without lust, at parts of the body of a non-maḥram man that are not usually covered, like the head, face, neck and parts of the hands and feet.

Issue No. 2082- It is obligatory for a woman to cover her body and hair from non-maḥram men, and the recommended precaution is that she should cover her body and hair from an immature boy who is able to discern between good and bad and could probably be sexually aroused. However, it is not necessary for her to cover her face and hands up to wrists.

Issue No. 2081- It is permissible to look at an immature female if it is not a lustful look and if there is no fear of falling into sin by looking at her. However, one should not, as an obligatory precaution, look at parts which are customarily covered, like the thighs and abdomen.

Issue No. 2083- It is haram to look at the private parts of another person, though it might be in a mirror or through clear water, etc. whether he/she is maḥram or non-maḥram, male or female; and the obligatory precaution is not to look at the private parts of a discerning child. However, a wife and husband can look at the entire body of each other.

Issue No. 2084- A man and woman who are maḥram to each other (e.g., brother and sister), can look at each other’s body to that extent that is usual among the maḥrams, and the obligatory precaution is not to look at other parts.

Issue No. 2083- It is haram to look at the private parts of another person, though it might be in a mirror or through clear water, etc. whether he/she is maḥram or non-maḥram, male or female; and the obligatory precaution is not to look at the private parts of a discerning child. However, a wife and husband can look at the entire body of each other.

Issue No. 2085- A man cannot look at another man’s body with the intention of lust, and it is also haram for a woman to look at another woman’s body with the intention of lust.

Issue No. 2086- It is not haram for a man to take photos of a non-maḥram woman, unless it entails looking at her body other than her face and hands.

Issue No. 2087- If a woman abides by the rules of Islamic ḥijāb, it is not allowed as an obligatory precaution to look at her picture taken without ḥijāb, unless one does not know her and it does not lead him to any sinful act.

Issue No. 2088- If a nurse or a doctor has to touch the private parts of a patient, she/he should put on gloves. Similarly, if a male or female doctor or nurse has no choice but to touch the body of the opposite gender, he/she should put on gloves. However, this is permissible it is inevitable and urgent.

Issue No. 2089- It is permissible for a male doctor to look at a non-maḥram woman for treatment if it is necessary.

Issue No. 2090- In respect to obligatory ḥijāb, it is sufficient if a woman covers her body, other than her face and hands up to the wrists, with anything she can, and particular clothes are not required. However, it is not permissible as an obligatory precaution to wear tight, body-hugging, and ornamental clothes.