Fatwa ID: 06770
Answered by: Maulana Ousman Haye
Question:
Does anyone have a fatwa or research materials about Botox procedures being halal or haram?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Beautification and looking after one’s appearance is something which is encouraged in Islam, however, Allah (swt) has sent down guidelines for us to observe which helps prevent us from falling into excess, distorting our bodies, and harming our mental health through the constant struggle of trying to keep up with unrealistic beauty standards.
Botox serum uses enzymes from pig’s milk in its initial stage which is later on purified through an industrial process. Although the serum may be clinically categorized void of these enzymes in its final product form, it will still be considered an impure substance according to Shariah.
Moreover, Botox has been clinically classified as a lethal toxin which if consumed in larger quantities can have devastating effects.
Even in the lower medicinal usage, it is not free from some side effects. In some cases, it may lead to problems in swallowing, speaking, or breathing, all-over muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice (dysphonia), trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria), loss of bladder control, trouble breathing.
While these may be isolated conditions, they are sufficient enough for the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to issue caution against Botox usage.
Based on the above reasons, the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa (MJC) as well as the National Fatwa Council in Malaysia deemed the procedure to be impermissible.
The only instance where the Botox procedure will be permissible is when there is a medical need for it and there is no other alternative for the sickness.
Therefore, it is not permissible to use an impure substance to beautify oneself. Since Botox is impure because of the use of enzymes from pig’s milk it will be impermissible to use it for purely beatification purposes.
Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.
Written by Maulana Ousman Haye
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/muslim-council-bans-botox-385828
https://www.botox.com/
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2008/uc
m116857.htm
(قَوْلُهُ اُخْتُلِفَ فِي التَّدَاوِي بِالْمُحَرَّمِ) فَفِي النِّهَايَةِ عَنْ الذَّخِيرَةِ يَجُوزُ إنْ عَلِمَ فِيهِ شِفَاءً وَلَمْ يَعْلَمْ دَوَاءً آخَرَ
(رد المختار، ج١، ص٢١٠)
