Are Breast Implants Haram or Halal?

Breast implants are a common cosmetic procedure, and many women consider them for various reasons.

However, in Islam, the permissibility of such procedures depends on several factors, including the intention behind them.

Is It Permissible to Get Breast Implants in Islam?

Breast Implants are Haram in Islam.

The permissibility of breast implants in Islam hinges on the intention behind the procedure. If the aim is purely for beautification, it is not permissible, as it constitutes changing the creation of Allah.

However, if the small size of the breasts causes significant embarrassment and distress, it is permissible to enlarge them in ways that do not cause harm, such as using creams or other non-surgical methods.

Treating small breasts with creams is preferable to surgery, which involves anesthesia and potentially uncovering the ‘Awrah (private parts) if no specialized female doctor is available.

Evidence

• The scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas were asked about a young man with prominent breasts. They stated it is permissible to have cosmetic surgery if it is likely to be successful and the benefits outweigh the harms (Fatawa Al-Lajnah Ad-Da’imah, 25/62).
• They were also asked about a woman who wanted cosmetic surgery on her face and breasts due to psychological distress. They replied it is permissible if the surgery is likely to be successful and not cause greater harm (Fatawa Al-Lajnah Ad-Da’imah, 25/59).
• Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin explained that cosmetic procedures to remove faults are permissible, but those for beautification are not. For instance, straightening a bent nose or correcting a cleft lip is allowed because it removes a fault, whereas enhancing beauty is not (Al-Liqa’ Ash-Shahri, 50/8).

The fatwas from the Standing Committee and Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin provide clear guidelines on cosmetic surgery. Removing faults that cause embarrassment or distress is permissible, but procedures solely for enhancing beauty are not. This distinction is rooted in the principle that altering one’s body for beautification changes Allah’s creation, which is prohibited.

Bottom Line

For example, if a person has a significant physical fault like a bent nose or cleft lip, surgery to correct it is allowed because it aims to restore normal appearance and function.

Similarly, if a woman’s breasts are so small that they cause her significant distress, non-surgical methods to enlarge them are permissible. However, using breast implants purely for beautification is not allowed.

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