Having an abdominal operation performed by a non-Muslim physician

Question

A certain woman has had an abdominal illness for about five or six years, because of which she constantly suffers from weakness, and the effect of TB appears from time to time. Treatment is also ongoing, yet in spite of this there is no benefit. The doctor says that if this woman’s abdomen is not operated on, it will be difficult for her to survive. The doctor is not a Muslim, but in terms of character he is good, and his views are good too. So please write a summary on this matter.

Answer

Having an operation performed for treatment is permissible even by a non-Muslim; if a Muslim physician is available, he takes precedence.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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