Fatwa ID: 09036
Answered by Maulana Abdurrahman Persaud
Question:
Asalamualykum
I am a female massage therapist, and I only provide massage therapy to female clients. I would like to seek guidance regarding the Islamic ruling on this work.
Specifically, I would like to understand the rulings in Shariah concerning massaging the ‘awrah’ of a woman. In some cases, clients experience pain or medical issues in areas that may fall within the ‘awrah’ and they request treatment for relief.
For example, situations such as:
– Pulled muscles or muscle injuries
– Pain in the hip, upper thigh, or gluteal area
– Rehabilitation after a stroke or similar medical condition
Could you please clarify:
– What is permissible in such situations?
– Are there any conditions or limits that I must strictly adhere to?
– Is it allowed in cases of necessity or medical need?
I would greatly appreciate your guidance so I can ensure my work remains within the boundaries of Shariah
.
JzakaAllahu khayran
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
May Allah ﷻ reward you tremendously for your services in making our mothers and sisters healthy.
The impermissibility of exposing one’s awrah is core in our deen. However, if there is a genuine need for treatment in private areas, then only to the extent of what is required should be exposed. If therapy can be done without exposure, then this should be preferred.
Only Allah ﷻ knows best.
Written by Maulana Abdurrahman Persaud
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
References:
بدائع الصنائع في ترتيب الشرائع (5/ 124)
وكذا إذا كان بها جرح أو قرح في موضع لا يحل للرجال النظر إليه فلا بأس أن تداويها إذا علمت المداواة فإن لم تعلم تتعلم ثم تداويها فإن لم توجد امرأة تعلم المداواة ولا امرأة تتعلم وخيف عليها الهلاك أو بلاء أو وجع لا تحتمله يداويها الرجل لكن لا يكشف منها إلا موضع الجرح ويغض بصره ما استطاع لأن الحرمات الشرعية جاز أن يسقط اعتبارها شرعا لمكان الضرورة
الأشباه والنظائر لابن نجيم (ص: 73)
الضَّرُورَاتُ تُبِيحُ الْمَحْظُورَاتِ