13 February 2014

Saudi cleric chides women for going alone to doctor

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. [AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE] Read more