What is the Islamic stance on plastic surgery if someone has an organ which is disproportionate to his face (eg. too big), particularly if this is causing him extreme mental distress? Jazakallahu Khairan
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
At the outset, one should know that undergoing plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons – i.e. to look better or to improve one’s appearance – is forbidden according to Shariah.
However, in genuine cases of abnormality and defect in one’s body, it will be permissible to undergo plastic surgery in order to rectify the defect, provided that the procedure is reasonably safe.
Hence, if the organ in reference is considered an abnormality and defect, it will be permissible for you to undergo plastic surgery in order to rectify this defect, provided that the surgical procedure is reasonably safe. On the other hand, if the organ in reference is not considered an abnormality and defect, it will not be permissible for you to undergo plastic surgery. Consult a competent Muslim doctor in order to determine whether the organ in reference is considered an abnormality and defect. [1]
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Faizal Riza
28/3/2012