May the peace, mercy and blessing of Allah Almighty be upon you.

I would like to thank you for this blessed site and I ask Allah, the Glorious in His Majesty, to reward you with the highest levels of Paradise, to make good my ending and yours and to grant you well-being in this life and the Next. O Allah, accept our prayer.

My question: I am a Muslim woman who lives in a non-Muslim country and Allah has put me to trial with an illness; and all praise is due to Allah. In any case, I have been told to undergo various medical examinations and to have x-rays done, and all of that by male, non-Muslim doctors.

It has become very difficult for Muslim women to find female doctors in the required specialization. Even if a Muslim sister asks to see a female doctor, when there are female doctors, she is subjected to the condemnation of the people working in the hospital or the clinic and she is accused of gender discrimination! Wa la howla wa la quwata illa billah (There is no power or might except with Allah)! 

What is the right solution? Do I say, well, there is a shaikh who permits a woman to go to a male, non-Muslim doctor or do I say that I will obey Allah and try and move to a Muslim country, fleeing with my religion? If I do that, then what will happen to the generations of Muslims in this country? Is there anything in the fiqh of Muslim minorities for them? I am confused and afraid from Allah that He will be angry with me if I am half-naked in front of a man who doesn't [even] admit the existence of Allah. My heart doesn't feel comfortable with that. Death would be more beloved to me than that! Every time I find out that the doctor will uncover me, I can't do it, and every time it happens, I can't. By Allah, I can't! Please advise me. I consider you among those who are sincere to Allah, and only Allah knows what is in the hearts. May Allah grant you every good reward and may He bless you.

Your sister in Islam from Canada.

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful,

All praise is due to Allah and may peace and blessing be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, companions and true followers. To proceed:

The basic rule is for a Muslim woman to search for a female, Muslim doctor to examine her. If that is too difficult, then a female, non-Muslim doctor. If that is also too difficult, then a male, Muslim doctor and, again, if that proves too difficult, then a male, non-Muslim doctor; in that order. Seeking medical treatment is one of the exigent needs for which exemptions are made for some prohibited things, as long as the need is assessed only to its extent. We ask Allah to make you a way out and to provide you with a solution.

And Allah Almighty is the Most High and He knows best.