This article is based on the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women," which compiles fatwas from the scholars of the Haramain. The translation has been done by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Question:
What is the ruling on undergoing plastic surgery for the sake of beauty? What is the ruling on studying cosmetic surgery (ilm at-tajmeel)?Answer:
Types of Plastic Surgery:
- Surgery to Correct a Defect:
- Permissible:
- If the purpose of the surgery is to remove a defect caused by an accident or similar occurrence, it is permissible.
- Evidence: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) permitted a man, whose nose was cut off in battle, to have a gold nose implant.
- Permissible:
- Surgery for Additional Beauty:
- Prohibited:
- If the purpose is to enhance natural beauty without any defect, it is prohibited and considered haram.
- Evidence: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"Allah has cursed women who pluck their eyebrows and those who have them plucked, women who attach hair extensions and those who have them attached, and women who tattoo and those who get tattooed."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 4604; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 4170] - Such procedures aim at creating unnecessary perfection rather than addressing defects, making them impermissible in Islam.
- Prohibited:
Studying Cosmetic Surgery:
- Permissible:
- It is permissible to study cosmetic surgery (ilm at-tajmeel) as long as the knowledge is used in lawful ways.
- Prohibited Use: Practicing surgery for purposes prohibited in Islam (e.g., enhancing natural beauty without a valid reason).
- Physicians are advised to caution patients against undergoing haram surgeries. A doctor’s advice can often leave a stronger impression than a scholar’s admonition.
Conclusion:
- Permissible:
- Correcting defects caused by accidents or congenital issues.
- Studying cosmetic surgery with the intent to use it for permissible purposes.
- Prohibited:
- Enhancing beauty without a valid reason.
- Using surgical knowledge for haram practices.