Fatwa ID: 05107

Answered by: Maulana Belaal Ahmed

Question

It was about working in the care industry – if we are looking after children between the ages of 10-18 with disabilities and learning difficulties, as a Muslim would we be permitted to assist them to the bathroom.

Whether it was a male or female.

I just wanted to know what the position is on that – does it come under the medical treatment umbrella whereby it’s a necessity so it would be an exception if there were no other female staff around on like night shifts.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

In such circumstances if there is a dire need and there is no other person who can fulfill this responsibility then one should do so in such a way that much care is taken and when assisting take extra precaution that the private parts do not get exposed.

Only in dire circumstances when nobody is available will one be permitted to do so and this will fall under medical treatment and the famous fiqhi ruling

” that necessity (in dire need)  will allow that which is prevented” (Al Qawaid ul Fiqhiyyah ma Sharhil Mawjaz pg 43)

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Belaal Ahmed

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham