Question:-
Are females permitted to study medicine so that they are able to serve other females? This will also prevent them from going to male doctors.
Answer:-
Allah Ta’ala states in Surah Ahzaab that women should remain within the confines of their homes and not display themselves as the women would display themselves (by walking about and not covering themselves adequately) during the days of ignorance. Based on the above verse, it will not be correct for a female to venture outdoors in order to attain a degree and thereafter, leave home to work.
Yes, if a need exists for women to study medicine or in any other field for that matter, and thereby assist other females (so that they do not have to visit male physicians etc.), then they may study. However, studying, and thereafter serving the community should be carried out from within the confines of the home. The option of studying via correspondence is easily available nowadays, hence there shouldn’t be an issue in doing so. If a genuine need to leave her home ever exists, then she should request a Mahram to accompany her.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 03 Jumadal Ukhra 1443 / 06 January 2022
