Searching for treatments for impotence

It is permissible to search for treatments for impotence because this is a disease and a sickness, and Islam permits the treatment of sickness. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Yes, O slaves of Allah, seek cures for sickness, for Allah does not create any disease but He also creates the cure for it – or medicine for it – except for one disease.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is that?” He said, “Old age.”

(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1961; classed as saheeh by al-Albani – may Allah have mercy on him – in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2/202). And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has not sent down any disease but he has also sent down a cure for it, those who know it, know it, and those who do not know it, do not know it.” (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad, 3397 – this is his wording; also narrated by al-Bukhari, 5246).

There are certain conditions attached to treatment and the giving of medicine, as follows:

1. It should not lead to a greater harm, such as a more severe sickness or death; some of the treatments for impotence may do this.
2. It should not use anything that is haraam, such as wine, impure substances (najaasah) or meat which we are not permitted to eat.
3. It should not involve lax attitudes towards the issue of uncovering the ‘awrah (private parts, or that which should be covered).
4. It should only be done after consulting trustworthy and experienced doctors.

And Allah knows best.