Cosmetic and Reconstructive Facial Surgeries from the Perspective of Islam

Abstract

Facial aesthetics and reconstructive surgery are among the prominent new phenomena of our time, which have become widespread with the development of medical science and technology. These types of surgeries are typically conducted to modify the external aesthetics of the body, address psychological issues stemming from mental health conditions, correct congenital deficiencies, or attain a desired physical appearance. In today's world, aesthetic surgeries, have become a cultural trend among the younger generation, even though they may not be medically or health-related necessities, and even the elderly are showing a tendency towards them. Consequently, the issue of the ruling on facial aesthetics and reconstructive surgery has become a significant matter within Islamic jurisprudence. This study has been carried out through an analytical-descriptive approach, utilizing authoritative Islamic references, modern legal texts, and fatwa compilations. This research demonstrates that the classical fiqh books have not addressed this issue at all; however, with the widespread prevalence of these surgeries in modern times Many Islamic scholars have studied this issue from a fiqh perspective and based on the principle that altering the divine creation is impermissible, they have referenced this as evidence to classify it as haram. In contrast, reconstructive surgeries performed for the treatment of accidents, illnesses, or congenital defects have not been prohibited and do not present any legal objection from an Islamic perspective. For this reason, considering specific conditions such as the existence of a genuine need for surgery, the likelihood of healing, the lesser harm of performing the surgery compared to not doing so, and the absence of any side effects during or after the surgery, Islamic scholars have deemed these surgeries permissible.