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Can I remove my hijab for a scan?

Can I remove my hijab for a scan?

Medical scans, such as MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays may require the removal of hijab. This can be a sensitive issue for many Muslim women who wish to maintain their modesty.

Medical scans often require patients to remove any clothing or accessories that might interfere with the imaging process. For many Muslim women, the thought of removing their hijab can be distressing due to embarrassment caused by removing it as well as a sense of guilt at disobeying Allah’s command.

Keep your hijab on if possible

The best option, whenever possible, is to keep your hijab on during the scan. Many medical facilities are understanding of religious practices and might allow you to adjust your hijab in a way that does not interfere with the scan. For example, you might be able to wear a hijab that is free of materials that could affect the imaging.

Request female staff

If removing the hijab is absolutely necessary, you can request that only female staff be present during the scan. Most hospitals and clinics are accommodating of such requests and will make arrangements to ensure your comfort and privacy. This allows you to maintain your modesty while complying with the medical requirements.

When male staff is present

In some cases, it may not be possible to have female staff present, and you might need to remove your hijab in the presence of male staff. It is important to remember that in such circumstances, it is not sinful to do so. The necessity of medical care and the intention to protect your health is paramount. Islam provides flexibility in situations of necessity, and maintaining your health is a significant concern that allows for exceptions to usual practices.

Remember, the intention behind your actions and the necessity of the situation are important considerations in Islam.

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Shaykh Haytham Tamim is the founder and main teacher of the Utrujj Foundation. He has provided a leading vision for Islamic learning in the UK, which has influenced the way Islamic knowledge is disseminated. He has orchestrated the design and delivery of over 200 unique courses since Utrujj started in 2001. His extensive expertise spans over 30 years across the main Islamic jurisprudence schools of thought. He has studied with some of the foremost scholars in their expertise; he holds some of the highest Ijazahs (certificates) in Quran, Hadith (the Prophetic traditions) and Fiqh (Islamic rulings). His own gift for teaching was evident when he gave his first sermon to a large audience at the age of 17 and went on to serve as a senior lecturer of Islamic transactions and comparative jurisprudence at the Islamic University of Beirut (Shariah College). He has continued to teach; travelling around the UK, Europe and wider afield, and won the 2015 BISCA award (British Imams & Scholars Contributions & Achievements Awards) for Outstanding Contribution to Education and Teaching.