Treatments at beauty clinics are becoming increasingly popular, from Botox to laser treatments. However, before undergoing any of them, it’s important to understand the Islamic law regarding each procedure. Here are six of the most popular aesthetic services, complete with a guide to their halal and haram status, including the BPJPH halal certification context.
Amidst the rise of modern beauty trends, women and even men are flocking to beauty clinics seeking solutions for a fresher face and body, increased confidence, or simply to pamper themselves after busy days. However, behind the various aesthetic innovations, one question is increasingly being asked: “Are these aesthetic services halal?”
This question arises not only from the general public but also from consumers who are increasingly aware that beauty must align with Sharia law. Moreover, more and more clinics are seeking BPJPH halal certification as a commitment that their materials, processes, and service procedures meet halal standards.
Halal Auditor for the LPH LPPOM, Rina Maulidiyah, explained that in Islam, the law on beauty services cannot be generalized. “Some procedures are permissible, others are not, and it all depends on the purpose, ingredients, and procedures,” she explained.
Here’s a complete explanation, delivered in language more relatable to our everyday lives.
Botox
Botox actually comes from a substance called Botulinum Toxin, a neurotoxin (protein) produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This substance can cause muscle weakness or temporary paralysis, which is why Botox is widely used in both the medical and cosmetic industries. The procedure involves injecting Botox into specific areas of the body, such as the face, to relax the surrounding muscles and reduce wrinkles.
From an Islamic perspective, Botox injections are generally permissible, especially for therapeutic purposes. For example, to treat muscle disorders or to improve certain medical conditions, such as Bell’s palsy. The conditions are that the ingredients used must be halal, the procedure must be safe, and it must be performed by competent medical personnel. However, if its use is harmful, solely for cosmetic purposes, leads to dependency, or involves prohibited activities, then it is prohibited.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is a medical procedure that involves the repair or reshaping of a body part. The goals can vary, depending on the patient’s needs. Generally, there are two types of plastic surgery.
First, reconstructive surgery, which corrects abnormal body function and shape. For example, repairing a cleft lip, treating burns that cause skin contractures, removing keloids, or treating tumours. This type of surgery is permissible in Islam, provided the health benefits are clear, halal materials are used, the procedure is safe, and it is performed by skilled medical personnel.
Second, aesthetic surgery, which is surgery aimed purely at enhancing appearance. The rulings can vary. If it is permanent and alters Allah’s creation, such as changing the shape of a nose to make it more prominent or changing genitals, then it is prohibited. However, if the purpose is simply to improve appearance, such as removing excess fat or tightening skin, then it is permissible, provided it complies with Islamic law, uses halal ingredients, is safe, and is performed by a competent doctor. However, if the procedure is harmful, deceptive, or addictive, it is haram.
Thread Lift
A thread lift, or thread lift in medical terms, is a cosmetic procedure that involves inserting fine threads under the skin. The goal is to stimulate collagen production, making facial skin appear firmer, fresher, and sometimes slimmer.
In Islam, the ruling on this procedure varies depending on its intended purpose. If it is performed to alter God’s creation permanently, such as to elevate the nose, slim the face, or change the shape of the lips, then it is haram. Likewise, if the purpose conflicts with religious teachings.
However, if thread lifts are performed for cosmetic purposes, such as to reduce wrinkles or rejuvenate the face, it is permissible. The conditions are that the materials used must be halal (halal), the procedure must be safe, not contrary to Islamic principles, and performed by a qualified medical professional. Conversely, if the procedure is dangerous, deceptive, addictive, or involves prohibited substances, it is haram.
Fillers
Fillers are a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting certain substances, either synthetic or natural, into the face. The purposes vary, from reducing wrinkles and restoring lost facial volume to making the face appear fresher and free from signs of ageing.
In Islam, the law on the use of fillers depends on the intention and purpose. If fillers are used to alter God’s creation permanently, such as to make the nose sharper, the chin sharper, the face thinner, or the lip shape, then it is haram. The same applies if the procedure is performed for purposes contrary to religious teachings.
However, if fillers are used to improve or maintain appearance naturally, it is permissible. For example, to smooth wrinkles, disguise acne scars, fill hollows under the eyes, or cover facial imperfections.
However, certain conditions must be met: the ingredients used must be halal and pure, the procedure must be safe and harmless, not contrary to Islamic law, and performed by a qualified medical professional. Conversely, if a filler procedure causes harm, deceives others, creates dependency, or involves prohibited activities, it is haram.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is a skin treatment that uses high-intensity light technology to address various skin problems. This procedure is usually chosen to help reduce wrinkles, remove acne scars, or improve skin texture for a healthier appearance.
To date, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has not issued a specific fatwa directly addressing the legality of laser treatment. However, scholars generally permit this treatment as long as the purpose is to address a medical problem or correct a physical defect.
For example, if someone suffers from severe acne that leaves dark, inflamed, or pockmarked scars that significantly affect their appearance and lower self-confidence, laser treatment is permissible. In such circumstances, the goal is to treat and restore the face to its normal state, not to alter God’s creation excessively.
Facials & Cosmetics
Facials are skin treatments that typically involve several steps, such as cleansing, exfoliation, facial massage, and mask application. The goal is not only to maintain healthy skin but also to help address issues like acne and dull skin, while providing a relaxing effect.
Under Islamic law, facials and the use of cosmetics are essentially permitted (mubah), as long as the ingredients used are halal, and the purpose does not conflict with Islamic law. This means that this treatment is permissible to maintain cleanliness, health, and a reasonable appearance. However, facials should not be performed excessively or to change Allah SWT’s creation beyond its limits.
“Ultimately, every aesthetic service in a beauty clinic needs to be considered not only for its beauty, but also for its safety, the purpose of its implementation, and the halal nature of the ingredients used. The basic principle is simple: it’s permissible as long as it doesn’t excessively change Allah’s creation, is not harmful, is not deceptive, and uses halal ingredients,” Rina emphasized.
This is why more and more consumers are seeking clinics certified halal by BPJPH. Beauty, like health, is a trust that must be maintained in a good, correct, and acceptable manner. (RM / YN)
Source: https://halalmui.org/jurnal-halal/175/
