Topics: Fatawa

Is Cosmetic Surgery Permitted in Islam?

Cosmetic Surgery in Islam: Understanding the Rulings and Prohibitions

Question: Is it permissible to have surgeries on body parts, such as the face, nose, breasts, stomach, or private parts, if one is dissatisfied with their appearance?

Answer: From the question, it is clear that the surgeries in question are intended for enhancing beauty. Understand that surgery is permissible when it is necessary, such as when a person cannot function without it or when it is done to correct a significant defect. For example, a companion’s nose was cut off, so he had a silver nose made, and when it started to emit a foul odor, he replaced it with a gold one (Sunan Abi Dawud 4232).

Similarly, if someone’s face gets burned and appears disfigured, surgery can be performed to correct the defect. In such cases, surgery is allowed.

However, undergoing surgery solely for beautification is forbidden because it involves altering Allah’s creation, which is condemned in the Qur’an. Allah has cursed those who alter His creation, and this is considered a satanic act, as mentioned in the Qur’an: “I will command them, and they will change the creation of Allah” (An-Nisa: 119).

The Prophet (ﷺ) also cursed women who pluck their facial hair or create gaps between their teeth to enhance beauty, as these are alterations of Allah’s creation (Bukhari: 4507).

In summary, cosmetic surgery purely for the sake of beauty is forbidden. The woman who asked whether she can undergo surgery to improve her face, nose, or private parts is not permitted to do so because these are not necessities. Instead, a Muslim should focus on beautifying their character and deeds, rather than imitating the immoral practices of other cultures.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail

Author: IslamicHelper

Tags: Fatawa
IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

Imam Ahmad on Buffalo Sacrifice: Did He Claim Ijma?

Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) said, “I do not know of any disagreement” regarding a buffalo sufficing for seven people. Some use… Read More

4 days ago

Buffalo Sacrifice in Islam: The Ruling

A detailed analysis of the Islamic ruling on buffalo sacrifice. Explore historical texts and the methodology of the Salaf to… Read More

6 days ago

No Ijma on Buffalo Sacrifice: Zakat Context Exposed

Is there true scholarly consensus (Ijma) on buffalo sacrifice? This detailed analysis reveals that all claimed Ijma references actually pertain… Read More

6 days ago

Is Music Haram in Islam? Duff, Naats & Qawwalis Ruling

Every type of music is Haram in Islam according to the majority of scholars. However, women are allowed to lightly… Read More

1 week ago

Wages for Breastfeeding in Islam: The Shari’ah Reality

Clarifying the Islamic ruling on whether a mother can legally demand financial compensation from her husband for breastfeeding their child… Read More

1 week ago

Should Husbands Do Housework in Islam?

A detailed look into authentic Hadiths to clarify the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Sunnah regarding a husband's role and responsibilities when… Read More

1 week ago