For the majority of people, the decision as to whether they should have botox, lip filler and other non-surgical treatments on their face is normally a question of preference, rather than anything else.

However, for Muslim men and women, there are some other implications they may need to consider before having these treatments.

A common question is whether lip fillers and botox are halal or haram.

We would love to be able to provide you with definitive answers in your search, but this is a very controversial subject, and to avoid offence to our clients and Muslims in general, we will simply put forth both sides of the debate.

We are, therefore, not going to suggest in this article that one answer to the question is right or wrong, but rather the perspective of both sides of the argument.

If you have decided to go ahead with a procedure, Contact Us for a consultation

Is Botox Haram? What about Filler?

There have been cases made for both sides of the argument, and we will discuss the two schools of thought below.

The final decision ultimately lies with you, and each individual reading this.

Changes a Human Being, So Are Haram

In the research we conducted to put this piece together, and speaking to some patients, we found that many Muslims consider botox and lip fillers to be haram.

Why? Well, it comes down to the fact that it falls into the category of what is considered forbidden, according to Islamic law. The word haram, translated from Arabic, means forbidden.

Islam’s teachings focus on developing inner beauty and not prioritising your outward physical appearance.

Permanent physical changes, such as cosmetic enhancements and interventions, are not permitted because they are seen as altering and changing the creation of Allah.

Though often, many temporary improvements and adornments which alter your physical appearance (normally for a special occasion), such as henna tattoos and jewellery, are permitted and even encouraged.

Are lip fillers and Botox considered permanent changes when the results of many of these treatments last for months or just a few short years? This is one of the considerations our Muslim clients must decide.

Do they contain animal protein ingredients?

Another side to the argument of Botox being considered haram is it contains the protein, albumin.

This is a naturally occurring protein produced in our liver that is found in our blood plasma. Medicinal albumin is also derived from human blood.

Many animal by-products are not permitted in Islam by some scholars, elders, Iman, and Muslim people agree is not permitted in Islam.

But is albumin something that falls under animal protein when derived naturally from humans? This is something else that is up to you to interpret before deciding.

There are also other reasons often given, such as:

It’s not safe (generally not true)
It may be considered a disrespectful act
Taking for granted the gift that Allah gave them

Are Fillers Halal? They Are Non-Surgical and Temporary

On the other side of the argument, there are those who are followers of Islamic teachings who don’t believe that Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers are haram.

Namely, because this type of treatment offers only temporary results.

Some also consider that this kind of filler, whether for your lips, cheeks or another part of your face, contains a naturally occurring component found in the human body.

And so, in some people’s interpretation, it’s not adding anything or tampering with the creation of Allah.

Who is Right and Who Knows Best?

When deciding what is right and wrong, especially in grey-area subjects like the filler treatments discussed above, it is really down to the individual.

While some may consider everything and anything that alters how you look to be haram, there are others that view a temporary procedure as just that, temporary.

As is the case with any treatment, patients should think carefully about their goals and reasons why they want to change their appearance.

Are they simply doing it to meet the ever-changing and hard to keep up with beauty standards, or will having fillers or creams used on their lips enhance their beauty enough to improve their self-esteem?

What is Right For You?

This is why patients must always have a consultation appointment before undergoing any treatment that will change their appearance. It may be that they have unrealistic expectations.

If you are unsure how you feel about the procedure, it is best that you speak to your trusted follower of Islamic practices, including your Imam or parents, who will be able to help you understand the implications of the words found in the law about what constitutes haram and halal.

They will better understand the grey areas and be able to give you further details and research on the reasons why you might want to consider the use of these treatments or avoid them.

As with all matters like this, you need to consider it for yourself. You should never have any treatment, for example, surgery or fillers in your lips, just to meet the expectations of others.

This article is just meant as one guide on the matter. If you’re unsure, again, speak with a respected elder, brother or sister of your faith for guidance.

If, after deciding, you would like a consultation with our practitioner, we can help answer your questions about the treatments.

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