Unexpected medical video call with male doctor while not wearing hijab

I booked an online doctor’s appointment because I was sick.
At first, no doctor accepted my request. However, a male doctor unexpectedly called me for a video call through the app.
I answered the video call. However, at that moment, I was not wearing my headscarf. We talked about my symptoms, and the doctor saw me without my headscarf.
In this situation, would I be considered to have committed a sin?

Dear Brother / Sister,

First of all, I wish you a speedy recovery.

In this situation, the matter needs to be evaluated from several angles.

Under normal circumstances, a Muslim woman must observe hijab rules when speaking with a non-mahram man. A video call with a doctor is no exception to this rule. Therefore, if the call had been planned in advance, you would have needed to cover your head and prepare in accordance with hijab rules before the call began.

However, there is an important detail in the incident you described: The meeting began unexpectedly; the doctor suddenly initiated a video call, and you answered the call to address a medical need. This situation does not constitute a conscious choice made by the individual specifically to reveal herself to a man.

Nevertheless, as soon as it becomes clear that the meeting is with a male doctor, it is necessary to take the necessary precautions. In other words, it would be more appropriate to cover one’s head, to adapt oneself appropriately, or, if possible, to end the video call and to continue with an audio call because a Muslim woman tries to maintain hijab rules as much as possible.

On the other hand, the purpose of a meeting with a doctor is treatment and healthcare. If the doctor needs to see a specific part of the body for examination or diagnosis, it is permissible to uncover only as much as is necessary because the need for treatment is considered a necessity and a matter of obligation. The purpose here is not to adorn oneself, to show off, or to uncover unnecessarily; rather, it is for the diagnosis and treatment of the illness.

In Islam, when evaluating responsibility, a person’s intentions, capabilities, and circumstances are taken into account. Situations that occur unintentionally, that are not planned in advance, and that develop beyond a person’s control are not the same as consciously made choices. However, when a person recognizes a deficiency, trying to correct it is also a requirement of religious sensitivity.

Therefore, if a similar situation arises in the future, it would be more prudent to pay attention to ensure proper hijab before starting a video call, or to opt for an audio-only call if possible. If a medical examination is necessary, only the part that is necessary should be uncovered.

In conclusion, it is necessary to be more careful regarding hijab and to take the necessary precautions. Allah Almighty, knows best the intentions, circumstances, and situations of His servants.

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