𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (434)

Cosmetic Surgery in Islam: Removal of Defects vs. Beautification Shaykh ʿUthaymīn (may Allāh have mercy on him) was asked about various types of cosmetic operations, such as correcting the nose, liposuction, breast reduction or enlargement, and the like. What is the ruling on these procedures, and what is the guiding principle? He replied: As for the cosmetic procedures mentioned, they fall into two categories: The first category: Removing a defect. The second category: Enhancing beauty. As for the first, removing a defect, this is permissible. For example, if a person’s nose is crooked, it is permissible to undergo an operation to straighten it, since this constitutes the removal of a defect; the nose is not in its natural state, so he wishes to restore it. Likewise, if a man is cross-eyed—clearly a defect—then if he seeks an operation to correct it, there is no objection, as this too is removing a defect. If a man’s nose were cut off in an accident, would it be permissible for him to have a replacement? Yes, because this is removing a defect. This very incident occurred during the time of the Prophet ﷺ. One of the Companions had his nose cut off in battle, so he replaced it with one made of silver. But the silver began to rot and produced a foul odour, so the Prophet ﷺ gave him permission to replace it with a nose made of gold, and he did so. Should this be called beautification or the removal of a defect? Clearly, it is the removal of a defect, and thus permissible. Similarly, if a person’s lip is split, it is permissible to surgically join it together, as this is the removal of a defect. The second category: Enhancing beauty. This is not permissible. For this reason, the Prophet ﷺ cursed women who file their teeth to create gaps between them for the sake of beauty, as well as those who attach hair extensions and similar practices. As for breast enlargement or reduction: Is it permissible or not? If it is merely for beautification, then it is not permissible. However, if a woman’s breasts are so small that they cannot hold enough milk to feed her child, then it may be allowed, as this is for a functional need rather than beauty. Thus, the guiding principle is as follows: If the procedure is to remove a defect, there is no harm. If it is for extra beautification, it is not permissible. [Al-Liqāʾ Ash-Shahrī, no. 50/8]