Using Botulinum (Botox) to reduce wrinkles
Question
Is it permissible to use and inject Botulinum (Botox) which is used to reduce wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes, i.e., for cosmetic purposes? Any health professional, such as a doctor, pharmacist or dentist can undertake this work. Can a Muslim practitioner undertake this work?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Answer
Botulinum (Botux) should be avoided for cosmetic purposes because we understand its ingredients contain Human Serum Albumin (HAS). It can be used if there is a medical need and a Muslim practitioner confirms that there is no other alternative. Accordingly, Muslim practitioners should advise patients against its use for cosmetic purposes. However, they will be excused if they are legally obliged to injecting it.
“Botox® injections improve appearance by relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles. These injections also treat medical conditions, including migraines, hyperhidrosis, overactive bladder and eye problems. To maintain results, treatments should be repeated every three to six months. Botox® is one of the most widely known brands of botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxins are neurotoxins that affect nerves and cause muscle weakening. You might get a botulinum toxin injection for cosmetic or medical reasons. Healthcare providers inject small amounts of Botox into specific muscles to smooth wrinkles, prevent migraine headaches and treat a wide range of other health conditions.” (Source: www.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8312-botulinum-toxin-injections)
“The risks of botulinum toxin injections are small if it’s done correctly by a suitably qualified practitioner. Speak to your practitioner about the risks. After treatment you may have: a headache and flu-like symptoms for the first 24 hours; bruising, swelling and redness where the needles went in the skin; a frozen look – you might not be able to move the muscles in your face if too much botulinum toxin is injected; temporary weakness and droopiness in your face – for example, your eyelids or eyebrows may droop if the botulinum toxin moves into these areas. Very rarely, serious problems such as blurred or double vision can happen if the area around the eyes is treated, or breathing difficulties if the neck area is injected.” (Source: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/botox-injections )
“Each vial of Botox® contains 100 Units (U) of Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin complex, 0.5 milligrams of Albumin (Human), and 0.9 milligrams of sodium chloride in a sterile, vacuum-dried form without a preservative.” (Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2856357)
قال فخر الإسلام البزدوي: فعل الاستشفاء بالحرام إنما لا يجوز إذا لم يعلم أن فيه شفاء، أما إذا علم أن فيه شفاء وليس له دواء آخر غيره يجوز الاستشفاء به، كذا في البناية (١٢/٢٧١). وقال الحصكفي في الدر المختار (١/٢١٠): وقيل: يرخص إذا علم فيه الشفاء ولم يعلم دواء آخر كما رخص الخمر للعطشان، وعليه الفتوى، انتهى. وقال الشيخ رشيد أحمد الجنجوهي في الكوكب الدري (٣/٤٠٩): ووجه النهي في المتنمصات والواصلات تغرير الخلق مع تغيير خلق الله، فكانت نساء العرب تغالي مهورها على السن والجمال، كما تغالي على النسب والكمال، وفي الوصل وكذا التنمص تلبيس السن، وكذلك ففيهما إظهار ما ليس فيها من الجمال، فلا بأسا بأخذ ما نبت عليها من الشعر إذا لم يك فيه تغرير لأحد، انتهى۔
Allah knows best
Yusuf Shabbir
1 Muḥarram 1445 / 18 July 2023
Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmed and Mufti Muhammad Tahir
