The ideal situation would be not to request the doctor to divulge the gender of the unborn baby as it does not always turn out to be 100% accurate and could lead to disappointment for the parents, who make preparations (in terms of buying clothing, etc) for a certain gender and it turns out to be the opposite. At the same time, there is no harm and sin if the doctor discloses the gender of the child whilst doing a pregnancy scan on the mother due to necessity. We haven’t found a clear cut ruling prohibiting one from such an action.

However, it will not be permissible for the patient to request a picture of the scan as this is equated to photography which is not permissible (as understood from the Ahaadith).

And Allah Ta'aala knows best!

ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B 

Date: 11 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1441 

English Date: 09 November 2019