Is Cosmetic Surgery Halal or Haram in Islam? Ethical & Islamic views

Cosmetic surgery, often referred to as plastic surgery, has seen a surge in popularity due to shifting beauty standards, media influence, and societal pressures. However, for Muslims, the question arises: What is the Islamic ruling on plastic surgery? Is cosmetic surgery halal or haram in Islam? The answer varies depending on factors such as the intent behind the procedure, its necessity, and its alignment with Islamic teachings.

Cosmetic Surgery Halal or Haram in Islam

Cosmetic surgery, also known as aesthetic surgery, is a medical procedure that changes a person’s physical appearance for aesthetic reasons.

Here’s the information in a clear table format:

This format provides a concise overview, clearly distinguishing between permitted and forbidden procedures, along with examples and conditions.

Islamic Perspective on Cosmetic Surgery

Islamic law (Shariah) guides many parts of a Muslim’s life, including decisions about medical treatments. In Islam, bioethics (how we make choices about medical care) is closely tied to religion. The focus is on protecting both the body and the soul, which affects how Muslims view surgeries that change their appearance.

When Is Cosmetic Surgery Allowed in Islam?

Cosmetic Surgery in Islam according to Islamic Jurisprudence

1. Darurah (Absolute Necessity):

• Procedures are essential to save lives or prevent severe harm.
• Examples: Post-burn reconstruction or surgery for life-threatening deformities.

2. Hajah (Situational Necessity):

• Procedures addressing significant physical or emotional harm or restoring functionality.
• Examples: Correcting disfigurements or abnormalities causing psychological distress.

3. Tahsinah (Complementary/Beautification):

• Procedures solely for beautification with no medical or functional need.
• Generally prohibited unless justified by significant emotional or psychological harm.

Islamic Ethical Views on Plastic Surgery

1. Prohibition of Taghyir Khalqillah (Altering Allah’s Creation)

The Quran emphasizes the sanctity of Allah’s creation:

“And I will command them so they will change the creation of Allah.” (Surah Al-Nisa, 4:119)

This verse is often cited to discourage unnecessary alterations to one’s physical appearance unless justified by valid reasons.

2. Maqasid al-Shari’a (Objectives of Islamic Law)

Islamic rulings are guided by principles of benefit (maslahah) and harm prevention (mafsadah). Decisions regarding cosmetic surgery are based on the following objectives:

• Preservation of life and dignity.
• Mitigation of harm.
• Promotion of well-being.

Procedures deemed necessary to alleviate harm or improve functionality align with these principles.

Role of Fatwa Institutions

Islamic scholars and fatwa institutions provide guidance on cosmetic surgery in Islam by examining contemporary medical advancements and their compatibility with Islamic ethics. Major fatwa bodies, such as the following, contribute to these rulings:

• DIM (Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah): Emphasizes reconstructive surgeries and situational necessities.
• HAF (Higher Assembly of Fatwas): Cautions against excessive beautification procedures.
• MUIB (Majelis Ulama Indonesia Body): Allows certain beautification surgeries under strict emotional distress conditions.

What does the Quran say about plastic surgery?

Surah Al-Nisa (4:119)

“I will certainly mislead them and delude them with empty hopes. Also, I will order them and they will slit the ears of cattle and alter Allah’s creation.” And whoever takes Satan as a guardian instead of Allah has certainly suffered a tremendous loss.

Hadith

Narrated `Abdullah:

Allah has cursed those women who practise tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed, and those who remove their face hairs, and those who create a space between their teeth artificially to look beautiful, and such women as change the features created by Allah. Why then should I not curse those whom the Prophet (ﷺ) has cursed? And that is in Allah’s Book. i.e. His Saying: ‘And what the Apostle gives you take it and what he forbids you abstain (from it).’ (59.7)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5931

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

Look at those who stand at a lower level than you but don’t look at those who stand at a higher level than you, for that is better-suited that you do not disparage Allah’s favors.

Sahih Muslim 2963 c

In Islam, being content and thankful for how Allah created us is important. Allah made humans in the best form, and changing this without need shows a lack of acceptance. The Quran says:

“We have indeed created man in the best of moulds.”

(Surah Al-Tin, 95:4)

Muslims are encouraged to appreciate their natural appearance, focusing on inner beauty, character, and faith, instead of only aiming for external perfection.

Conditions When Cosmetic Surgery Is Permissible in Islam

In Islam, medical treatments are allowed if necessary, even if they are normally prohibited. If surgery is needed to reduce harm, whether physical or psychological, it can become permissible. However, there are some key rules to follow:

• The surgery should provide a benefit that aligns with Islamic principles.

• The benefits of the surgery must outweigh any harm it may cause.

• The surgery should not involve deceit, fraud, or imitation of harmful behavior.

The Balance Between Beauty and Faith: ‘Allah is Beautiful and Loves Beauty’

While Islam teaches contentment with Allah’s creation, it also recognizes the natural human desire for beauty. A saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlights this balance:

“Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty.”

The Hadith “Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty” means that Islam acknowledges the importance of beauty, but it should be pursued in a balanced way. Allah appreciates beauty, but we should not become overly focused on it or let it lead to arrogance or vanity. Beauty should be respected within the limits set by Islam.

Conclusion

In Islam, cosmetic surgery is not completely forbidden; it depends on the intention, need, and balance. Surgeries to fix deformities or relieve emotional distress are allowed, but those done out of vanity or social pressure are discouraged. Islam teaches that true beauty comes from being content with what Allah has given us and focusing on inner qualities.

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