Question

Assalam-o-alaykum,

I am a high school senior and Inshallah I shall be looking be forward for majoring in nursing after high school. I was wondering if it is haram for me while working to be touching male patients, which includes washing, bathing and feeding them. I really want to help as much people as I can. I just want to know is it not permitted for I will be working in the USA. I am very confused because some sites tell me it is permitted for emergencies and some say it is not. Thank you and Jazak-Allah khair.

Answer

Assalamu Alaykum,

Although the Shari’ah has not specifically prohibited touching the opposite sex’s body, however in line with the concept of Haya (modesty) and avoiding fitna (evil) one should refrain from this where it is possible.

If you are working in an environment where it is possible to avoid touching the body of the male patients or it is possible to arrange a plan so that you do not need to do this, then it is advisable to do this.

If you are working in an environment where this is not possible (either there are not enough male nurses of the process of work simply does not allow such choice) then this is fine. My only advice is that even in such environment try hard to limit yourself to what is necessary when it comes to touching and seeing.

Answered by: Farhad Shafti

Date: 2014-11-13