Medical Issues: How Should Medical Students Uphold Sharʿī Standards When Examining Genitals?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Medical Issues: How Should Medical Students Uphold Sharʿī Standards When Examining Genitals?

English:

Question #1303:

In most cases where examining the genitals, whether by a male or a female, is called for the shar‘ī standards are seldom upheld by the student or teacher, such as examination through the mirror. Since we have no alternative but to follow them in order to gain experience in diagnosing the illnesses, how should we go about it?

Answer #1303:

There is no harm in studying medicine and training in it, even by carrying out examinations which are ḥarām in themselves provided that it is essential for training in medicine and acquiring experience in treating the sick. In addition to that, the student must be confident that ability to save human life in the future depends on knowledge acquired in this way. He must also be confident that he would be in a situation whereby the sick are going to consult him to seek his advice and that he would be responsible to save their lives.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Medical Issues