Passing through full-body scanning machines at the airports
Fatwa No: 133686

Question

Assalaamu alaikum,
A sister is asking:
This is a question in regards to airport scanning machines, the new ones are like x- ray vision and can see our body in graphic detail naked. Apparently the images are viewed in a room far away and are not in any way saved.
If we do not pass through the machines then we cannot fly. whats the ruling on this
Jazak Allah khair

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

 

In principle, it is not permissible to reveal the ‘Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered) except for a necessity or a dire need.

The Kuwaiti Fiqh Encyclopedia reads: “The majority of the jurists are of the view that in case of dire need, it is permissible to reveal the ‘Awrah from a man or a woman to persons of their own sex or to the opposite sex.” 

However, it is not permissible for a Muslim to expose himself/herself to revealing his/her ‘Awrah without a necessity or a dire need. Therefore, if the sister can travel by another means of transportation or from another airport where such devices are not used, she should do so, and if she cannot and she is not in necessity or in dire need to travel, then it is not permissible for her to resort to a travel that leads her to such a sin.

Allaah Knows best.

Related Fatwa