Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

Resolution No. (265): "Ruling on Preventive Mastectomy"

Date Added : 15-11-2018

Resolution No. (265) (19/2018) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:

"Ruling on Preventive Mastectomy"

Date: (23/Safar/1439 AH), corresponding to (1/11/2018).

 

All perfect praise be to Allah The Lord of the Worlds and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

On its twelfth session held on the above date, the Board reviewed the question sent to the electronic website of the General Iftaa` Department. It sated: Is it permissible for a woman to undergo preventive mastectomy, because she is at risk of getting cancer as indicated by the medical history of her family`s where both her sister and mother already have it? Is it permissible that she has her breast filled with silicon as a cosmetic procedure? It is worth pointing out that from a scientific point of view, the removal of the breast is purely preventive.

After deliberating, the Board arrived at the following decision:

The final say as regards the suitable medical treatment pertains to the trustworthy people of specialized medical experience. According to them, valid and reliable scientific research has proven that rise in the percentage of getting cancer is due to genetic factors; particularly when tests show that the mother has had that disease since an early age. When test results of genetic mutations show that cancer is likely to be passed to the next generation, preventive mastectomy is favored, as it takes precedence over waiting for cancer to attack since there is high risk that it will, and it is far more serious than the harms of mastectomy itself. In this case, we recommend that the questioner follows the advice of the people of specialty and undergoes the preventive mastectomy since the agreed upon rules of Sharia confirm that harm should be eliminated and when there are two evils, the lessor should be chosen.

However, if the fear of getting cancer is unjustified or it is a mere over- exaggerated psychological concern, then we don`t allow resorting to preventive mastectomy since Islam has honored the human body. The alternative lies in early detection and preventive treatment, as this is better. And Allah Knows Best. 

 

Chairperson of Iftaa` Board,

Grand Mufti of Jordan,

Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh

Sheikh Abdulkareem AlKhasawneh/ Member

Sheikh Sa`eid Al-Hijjawi/ Member

Prof. Abdullah Al-Fawaaz/ Member

Dr. Muhammad Khair Al-Issa/ Member

Dr. Majid Al-Darawsheh/ Member

Prof. Adam Noah/ Member

Judge. Khaled Al-Wrikat/ Member

Dr. Ahmad Al-Hasanat/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Al-Zou`bi/ Member

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Summarized Fatawaa

Should a prayer performer who forgets to offer the middle Tashahod (saying ash-hadu anala ilaha ila-alah) offer Sujood As-Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness)?

He/she should offer two prostrations of forgetfulness at the end of the prayer. And Allah Knows Best.

What is the ruling on a woman who takes medication to delay menstruation for fasting?

If a woman takes medication (to delay menstrual period) and does not experience menstruation, her fast is valid. However, she is not advised to do so unless there is a necessity.
If the medication harms her, even potentially, it is forbidden (haram) for her to take it.

Is it permissible to purchase the Udhiyah on installments?

It is permissible to purchase the sacrificial animal (uḍḥiyyah) on installments or by borrowing its price. However, it is not recommended for the poor to do so, because they are not required to offer a sacrifice, and Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. If doing so would lead to negligence in providing for one's dependents (nafaqah wājibah), then giving precedence to obligatory maintenance over borrowing to buy the sacrifice is appropriate. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "It is sufficient sin for a person to withhold food from those whom he is responsible to support."
 
Furthermore, the sacrifice is valid from one who has a debt, but it is preferable (awlā) to repay the debt first, especially if the debt is due immediately (ḥāll). And Allah Almighty knows best.

Is an elderly or chronically ill person required to pay additional fidyah if they delay it beyond the first year?

An elderly person or someone permanently unable to fast must pay fidyah by feeding one needy person for each missed day.
However, if they delay paying fidyah beyond the first year, no additional fidyah is required.
This differs from someone who delays making up missed Ramadan fasts (qada) without a valid excuse until the next Ramadan begins—such a person is required to pay an additional fidyah for the delay.