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Ruling on tattooists to conceal defects caused by illness



Praise be to Allah.

It was narrated that Ibn Mas‘ood (may Allah be pleased with him) said: May Allah curse the women who do tattoos and those who have tattoos done, those who pluck their facial hair, and those who file their teeth for the purpose of beautification, changing the creation of Allah, may He be exalted. Why should I not curse those whom the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) cursed? Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5931).

What is meant by those who file their teeth is those who do that in order to create gaps between them so that they will appear younger.


The fact that it says “for the purpose of beautification” indicates that what is prohibited is to do that with the aim of looking more beautiful. From this it may be understood that whoever does these things for medical purposes or to conceal a defect, that is permissible and there is nothing wrong with it.


An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

With regard to the words “those who file their teeth for the purpose of beautification”, what is meant is that they do that with the aim of looking more beautiful, which indicates that what is prohibited is that which is done for the purpose of beautification. But if it is needed for medical reasons, or to treat a defect in the teeth and the like, then there is nothing wrong with it. And Allah knows best.


Question:

“I have had amputations from nine of my fingers because of septicaemia. On my right hand the amputation has reached the first knuckle and on my left hand it has reached the second knuckle. The doctor has advised me to get tattoos on the amputated fingers so that the amputated part will look like a fingernail, and the fingers will appear longer. Is it permissible to do that?”

Summary of answer:


“Conclusion: This tattooing that the doctor has recommended for you is permissible and there is nothing wrong with it, on condition that it does not go to extremes of adornment or beautification; rather it is done onlyhttps://islamqa.info/en/answers/218600/ruling-on-tattooists-to-conceal-defects-caused-by-illness to the extent required to remove the defect. And Allah knows best.”

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