Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question Summary
I don’t have a good appearance. I’m unattractive, my voice is harsh, and I have body odor. I was satisfied with the creation of Allah, but now I am planning to marry. And even though religion is more important, beauty still plays a significant role in fulfilling spouses’ satisfaction. I know it is unlawful to change the creation of Allah, but is it permissible for me to ask Allah to beautify my appearance?
Question Answer
May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to that which is pleasing to Him. We pray that Allah, who is beautiful and loves beauty, makes us all beautiful inside and out.
Desiring Beauty
Praying for Goodness
Believers should ask Allah whatever they want of goodness in this world (like physical beauty) and the Hereafter (like the beauty of the heart). One should supplicate Allah in prayer without hastening a response. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace said: “The servant will receive a response so long as his prayer does not involve sin or severing of family ties, and so long as he is not hasty.” It was said, “What does being hasty mean?” He said: “When he says, ‘I prayed, and I prayed, and I have not seen any response,’ and he gets frustrated and stops praying.” [Agreed upon]
Please see the following as well:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/is-it-haram-to-like-ones-beauty-and-appearance/
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and pursuing his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.