A top Saudi cleric has scolded women who visit male doctors without being accompanied by a male guardian, claiming that is prohibited by Islam, Al-Hayat daily reported Thursday.
His remarks follow the death of a university student last week after paramedics were denied access to her campus because they were not accompanied by a male guardian, or close relative, a must according to the strict segregation rules in the Muslim kingdom.
"Women are becoming negligent in consulting doctors without a mahram (male guardian), and this is prohibited," Al-Hayat quoted Sheikh Qays al-Mubarak, a member of the Council of Senior Ulema (Muslim scholars), as saying.
A medical check-up could include "a woman showing parts of her body to a doctor. This is not permissible... unless urgent," he said.
Women "must seek help from a male doctor only when a female medic is not available. When this happens, they must not be alone and the doctor must only look at the pain" part of the body, he said.
The Council of Senior Ulema is the highest religious authority in the ultra-conservative kingdom.
Al-Hayat said the notorious religious police in Eastern Province have enforced restrictions on women entering several private medical centres without a male guardian.
"Members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice have entered a health and diet centre and prevented women from consulting a male dietician without the presence of a mahram," Al-Hayat reported.
AFP could not immediately verify these allegations.
In 2002, 15 girls died after a fire broke out at their school in the holy city of Mecca and religious police blocked their evacuation because they were not dressed in keeping with Islamic codes.
Witnesses said male civil defence workers were kept at bay because, in their haste to escape the flames, the 12-to-14-year-olds had not put on their black abaya robes, which cover the entire body.
Saudi Arabia imposes a strict interpretation of Islamic laws, notably a segregation of the sexes, and does not allow women to work or travel without the authorisation of a male guardian from her family.
It is also the only country in the world that bans women from driving.
AFP
Thu Feb 13 2014
BHP trying to avoid responsibility over Brazilian dam collapse, UK court told
More than 600,000 Brazilians, 46 local governments and around 2,000 businesses are suing BHP over the 2015 collapse of the Mariana dam in southeastern Brazil.
Minimum wage not benchmark for all employees' starting salaries - Sim
Steven Sim says the increase in the minimum wage is intended as a basic wage for workers with lower academic qualifications and skills.
Climate and China weigh on how the US views Pacific relations
Pacific leaders keep their preference for US President quiet, yet viewing relations only through the lens of China does nobody a service.
Gulen, the powerful cleric accused of orchestrating a Turkish coup, dies
Gulen was a one-time ally of Erdogan but they fell out spectacularly, and Erdogan held him responsible for the 2016 attempted coup.
[COLUMNIST] The reality of earthquakes in Malaysia: A threat we can’t ignore
The government needs to prepare the public to deal with such disasters in any way possible.
'PROTEGE-Veteran' provides job assurance for retirees
This is an aggressive step by the government to protect the welfare of retirees, said Dr Mohd Hasril Amiruddin.
US says THAAD anti-missile system is 'in place' in Israel
THAAD is a critical part of the US military's layered air defense systems and adds to Israel's already formidable anti-missile defenses.
IMAN Research calls for strengthening human security in 2025 Budget
IMAN Research identifies key areas for enhancement within the Malaysian government's Third MADANI Budget 2025.
Zambry assures academics of freedom of speech
Zambry says he is committed to preventing any actions that could infringe upon the rights and freedoms of academics across universities.
Media licensing framework development involves multiple consultations - Teo
Teo Nie Ching says the views of stakeholders have been considered through several engagement sessions and ongoing consultations.
ANALYSIS - World lags on 2030 nature goals headed into UN COP16 talks
A top concern for countries and companies is how to pay for conservation, with the COP16 talks aiming to develop new initiatives.
Situation in South China Sea safe, under control - Adly
Adly Zahari clarifies that reports of Chinese maritime assets near country's border mainly involve its Coast Guard, not its naval warships.
MOHE sets agenda to boost higher education cooperation ahead of ASEAN Chairmanship 2025
Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry said all higher education institutions must be involved to successfully implement the ASEAN chairmanship agenda.
King receives credentials of 12 foreign envoys to Malaysia
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim welcomes nine new foreign envoys and appoints two Malaysian diplomats in a ceremony at Istana Negara.
Israel gives the US its demands for ending war in Lebanon, Axios reports
Israel demands IDF "active enforcement" to prevent Hezbollah from rearming and rebuilding military infrastructure near the border.
Indonesia's Prabowo swears in cabinet of over 100 ministers, deputies
Prabowo Subianto's cabinet has 48 ministries with over 100 ministers and deputies, including two re-appointments.
Freeze on foreign worker employment quota to continue - Saifuddin
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said as of Sept 15 the total number of foreign workers is nearing the stipulated ceiling.
King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Canberra on Australia tour
This is King Charles' first major foreign trip since being diagnosed with cancer in February.
Indonesia's Prabowo plans military academy retreat for new cabinet
The retreat is aimed at forming a bond between around 100 cabinet ministers and their deputies, according to migrant protection minister.
Four loan sharks held for alleged involvement in paint splashing, arson in six states
The syndicate is believed to have conducted illegal money-lending activities, involving loan sharks and online money-lending, police said.