Fatwa ID: 05451

Answered by: Maulana Yusuf Khan

Question:

Please can you confirm if it would be permissible to get Botox to fix a hyperactive lip? This is where the lip raises high when smiling/laughing exposing a large portion of the gums.

Dentists say around 1-3mm of exposure is considered normal, my dentist has recommended Botox to fix the issue.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Botox is a non-surgical method of treatment and can be used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. However, it is only permissible if the actual injections themselves do not contain any haram substances such as fermented alcohol, animal extracts, etc.

The reason why altering our appearance for cosmetic purposes via surgical means is not allowed is because not only is it unnecessarily harmful, it goes against the Qur’an ayah in which Allah SWT has forbidden us to change our physical appearance and this is done through mutilation or surgical procedures.

“I will lead them astray and I will tempt them with false hopes and give them my order so they shall slit the ears of cattle and I will give them my order so they shall alter the creation of Allah. And whoever takes Satan as a friend instead of Allah has incurred an obvious loss.” ⁽Surah Nissa- Verse:119)

Therefore, meaning it is permissible for Botox fillers for the hyperactive lip as your dentist has recommended it provided it is above the threshold mentioned as it will then not be considered for cosmetic purposes.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Yusuf Khan

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham