Can I give CPR to a person of the opposite gender?

Saving a life comes first

Normally, Muslims avoid physical contact with non-mahram people of the opposite gender. The Prophet ﷺ never touched a woman's hand when he took the pledge from women (Sahih Muslim 1866). But when a life is at stake, the situation is completely different:

Islamic law also recognises that necessity relaxes restrictions. The Quran says that Allah has explained what is forbidden "except when compelled by necessity" (Quran 6:119). Scholars apply this principle widely, and an emergency where someone could die is clearly covered. You do not need to hesitate, ask for permission or feel guilty.

What to do in practice

• Call the emergency number first or ask someone to do it, and send for a defibrillator if one is nearby.
• Start compressions and rescue breaths as you were trained. Time matters more than anything.
• Keep touch to what is needed. Work through the clothing where possible, and loosen or open it only as far as the procedure requires.
• Hand over to a trained person of the same gender if one is immediately available, but never wait for one.
• Protect their dignity afterwards. Cover them, do not film, and do not share the details.

The same applies if you are the one who needs help. A Muslim woman may be treated by a male paramedic and a man by a female paramedic when no one else is available. For personal situations, see Can I still shake hands with the opposite sex as a Muslim?

First aid and lifeguard training

Taking a first aid or CPR course is a good deed, because it prepares you to save a life. Most training uses mannequins. If a class asks you to practise bandaging or the recovery position on a partner, ask the instructor whether you can work with someone of the same gender or use a mannequin. Many instructors are glad to arrange it. Practising on a mannequin is not a problem at all.

The same thinking applies to rescue jobs. See Can Muslim women be lifeguards? For students on healthcare courses, see Can I study medicine as a Muslim if exams involve the opposite gender?

Afterwards

You have not sinned. Do not feel awkward or think that the touch needs repentance, since you did something good in a real emergency. Some people feel shaken after a rescue. Talk to someone you trust, and make dua for the person you helped. If the team activities in your club involve contact, see Can I high-five or hug teammates of the opposite gender?