❀ Ruling on Beautification for the Purpose of Concealing a Defect ❀
This response is based on the fatwas compiled in the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
What is the Islamic ruling on undergoing beautification procedures? Is it permissible to learn such knowledge?
Beautification is of two categories:
If beautification is sought to correct a defect resulting from an accident, illness, or other cause —
then there is no harm in it.
For instance, the Prophet ﷺ permitted a man whose nose was cut off in a battle to have a golden nose fitted.
This indicates that rectifying a deformity through medical or cosmetic means is permissible.
If beautification is not for remedying a defect, but for adding beauty beyond the natural state —
then such actions are considered impermissible and haram.
This is because the Prophet ﷺ cursed the following:
«الواشمة والمستوشمة، والنامصة والمتنمصة، والمتفلجات للحسن، المغيرات خلق الله»
“…the woman who tattoos and the one who is tattooed, the woman who plucks eyebrows and the one who has it done, those who artificially create gaps between their teeth for beauty — all those who alter the creation of Allah.”
(Authentic Hadith)
These procedures are done not to correct a fault, but to enhance appearance, which is considered a form of tampering with Allah’s creation.
There is no harm in studying the science of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.
However, one must not use this knowledge for haram purposes. If someone seeks beautification in a prohibited manner, it is the duty of the practitioner to advise them against it.
Since doctors have influence over people’s decisions, it becomes their responsibility to guide them toward permissible options and avoid facilitating sinful actions.
(By: Shaykh Ibn Jibreen رحمه الله)
This response is based on the fatwas compiled in the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
❖ Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on undergoing beautification procedures? Is it permissible to learn such knowledge?
❖ Answer:
Beautification is of two categories:
① Beautification to Conceal or Remedy a Defect:
If beautification is sought to correct a defect resulting from an accident, illness, or other cause —
then there is no harm in it.
For instance, the Prophet ﷺ permitted a man whose nose was cut off in a battle to have a golden nose fitted.
This indicates that rectifying a deformity through medical or cosmetic means is permissible.
② Beautification for Enhancing Natural Appearance (Not to Correct a Defect):
If beautification is not for remedying a defect, but for adding beauty beyond the natural state —
then such actions are considered impermissible and haram.
This is because the Prophet ﷺ cursed the following:
«الواشمة والمستوشمة، والنامصة والمتنمصة، والمتفلجات للحسن، المغيرات خلق الله»
“…the woman who tattoos and the one who is tattooed, the woman who plucks eyebrows and the one who has it done, those who artificially create gaps between their teeth for beauty — all those who alter the creation of Allah.”
(Authentic Hadith)
These procedures are done not to correct a fault, but to enhance appearance, which is considered a form of tampering with Allah’s creation.
❖ Ruling on Learning the Science of Cosmetic Surgery:
There is no harm in studying the science of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.
However, one must not use this knowledge for haram purposes. If someone seeks beautification in a prohibited manner, it is the duty of the practitioner to advise them against it.
Since doctors have influence over people’s decisions, it becomes their responsibility to guide them toward permissible options and avoid facilitating sinful actions.
(By: Shaykh Ibn Jibreen رحمه الله)
