Using phenylethyl alcohol in a nasal spray
Q: Phenylethylalcohol - if it's in a nasal spray for allergies (that I can live without) can I use it, according to hanafis?
Medical treatment
Toenail reconstruction for a permanently damaged toenail
Q: I am a Muslim woman and have a permanently damaged toenail due to trauma. Although it is not causing physical problems, the appearance of the nail causes me significant embarrassment and distress and affects my confidence.
I am getting married soon and would like to know whether it is permissible to use a cosmetic toenail reconstruction or similar treatment to restore the appearance of the damaged nail. My intention is not simply beautification, but to conceal and correct a defect that resulted from injury and that causes me considerable emotional distress.
If such a treatment forms a layer over the nail, how would this affect the validity of wudu? Is there any allowance in this situation, or would it need to be removed for wudu?
Blood transfusions and organ transplants
Q: I would like to seek clarification regarding the permissibility of blood transfusions, organ transplants, and related medical procedures in Islam. Specifically, I would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What is the ruling on receiving and donating blood?
2. What is the ruling on organ transplantation in general?
3. Is there any ijma on the permissibility of organ transplants, as some individuals claim?
4. Are there differences of opinion regarding organ donation during one’s lifetime versus after death?
Suing for medical negligence
Q: Alhamdulillah, approximately 5 years ago Allah Ta'ala had blessed us with a baby girl. She was born prematurely and was jaundiced together with her blood type being incompatible with her mother. The doctor discharged her from hospital after keeping her for a night. After a few days at home her condition deteriorated to such an extent that when she was eventually rushed back to hospital the jaundice had already severely damaged her brain. As a result, she is now diagnosed with cerebral palsy and is handicapped to the extent that she is completely dependent on us for everything. She is unable to sit, talk, crawl, walk, eat or do anything else by herself and requires full-time care giving.
There is currently a group of lawyers who have heard about this case and after having shared the details of what had transpired with them, they strongly believe that this is a case of medical negligence and are prepared to take on this case at no charge.
Is it permissible for us to pursue this case and if it is then established in court that this was due to medical negligence, will it be permissible to sue the doctors for the medical costs involved thus far and those which may ensue in future as well in terms of specialized equipment, therapies, care giving, medical supplies, etc. which runs into tens of thousands of rands?
Storing stem cells from the umbilical cord
Q: In Islam, is it permissible to store your kids stem cells from the umbilical cord, in order to be reused in the future. Example, if an organ gets damaged then you can use the cells to remake a new organ in place of the damaged one?
Circumcision for a revert adult Muslim
Q: I wanted to ask for some guidance regarding circumcision for a revert.
Is it fardh for an adult revert to undergo circumcision, or is it considered sunnah? I am particularly concerned about the medical risks involved, such as possible infection and bleeding, especially as an adult.
How should someone in this situation approach the matter, balancing religious obligations with health considerations? Are there circumstances where it can be delayed or excused?
Using contraceptive patches
Q: Are contraceptive patches allowed in Islam?
Consuming Colloidal Silver as medication
Q: Is it permissible to consume Colloidal Silver as medication?
Using a continuous glucose monitor
Q: I am, as per blood results and my doctor, on the brink of Type 2 diabetes. One of the options to try and reverse this is to use a continuous glucose monitor. What is the position with this in terms of ghusl?
The patch is kept on for 14 days at a time and then changed. Please advise what is the position in terms of ghusl as if we are required to remove this in ghusl then it cannot work as each patch costs almost R1500 per 2 weeks.
Vasectomy
Q: Can a man have a vasectomy?
He and his wife have both agreed this is the best way forward because they do not want anymore kids and she does not want to go on any medication or injection. Is a vasectomy allowed in Islam?