A national group of Muslim scholars last week issued a statement declaring the use of new airport security full-body scanners in violation of religious virtues.

A computer screen shows a scan of a security official in a RapiScan full-body scanner being trialed at Manchester Airport in Manchester, northern England January 7, 2010. REUTERS/Phil Noble

The scanners produce images revealing the outlines of a person’s body underneath clothing, with the purpose of detecting potential weapons or explosive devices.
Airports around the world have been increasingly implementing use of the technology, with 40 scanners currently at 19 U.S. airports including two at Detroit Metro Airport and 450 more expected to be added this year.

The Fikh Council of North America, of which at least two local imams are members, said on Feb. 9 that undergoing the whole-body scans violates individual privacy and modesty.

“A general and public use of such scanners is against the teachings of Islam, natural law and all religions and cultures that stand for decency and modesty,” the group said in the statement. “Several human rights and religious groups have expressed their concerns and disapproval of such scanners on the grounds of violation of privacy and human dignity.”

The group recommended Muslims ask to be patted down rather than undergo the body scans.

“It is a violation of clear Islamic teachings that men or women be seen naked by other men and women. Islam highly emphasizes ‘haya’ (modesty) and considers it part of faith.”

The Transportation Security Administration confirmed alternative pat-downs and other technologies as options for passengers, while defending the use of the scanners.

A security official (R) prepares to scan his colleague posing inside a RapiScan full-body scanner being trialed by Manchester Airport, during a photocall at the airport, in Manchester, northern England January 7, 2010. The radiation risk from full-body scanners used to improve airport security is low and unlikely to raise an individual’s risk of cancer, U.S. experts said. REUTERS/Phil Noble

“This technology is optional to all passengers,” agency spokespeople said. “Passengers who do not wish to receive imaging technology screening will receive equivalent screening that may include a physical pat-down, hand-wanding, and other technologies. Physical pat-downs are performed by Transportation Security Officers of the same sex as the passenger in a private screening area, if the passenger requests.”
TSA officials said the body scanning does not produce photos, but images resembling “photo negatives” and “chalk outlines.”

“TSA’s use of these technologies includes strong protections in place to safeguard passenger privacy. Screening images are automatically deleted, and the officer viewing the image will never see the passenger.”

The Fiqh Council said software should be designed to reveal only the outline of questionable objects on a person’s body, without showing the shapes of body parts and the linings of underwear as the technology does currently.

“FCNA appreciates the alternate provision of pat-down search,” the group said. “FCNA fully supports the necessary measures for the safety and protection of all passengers. It is, however, deeply concerned about the use of nude body scanners for this purpose.”

A security officer examines a computer screen showing a scan from a RapiScan full-body scanner, being trialed by Manchester Airport, during a photocall at the airport, in Manchester, northern England January 7, 2010. REUTERS/Phil Noble

The Council on American-Islamic Relations seconded the FCNA’s opinion.
“We support the Fiqh Council’s statement on full-body scanners and believe that the religious and privacy rights of passengers can be respected while maintaining safety and security,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.