Many Muslim men suffer from male pattern baldness or a receding hairline, and wonder if there is an effective way to resolve their problem. One popular treatment that has been introduced relatively recently is Scalp Micro Pigmentation (or SMP).
Yet, concerns about whether or not this treatment is Haram often deters sufferers from seeking help. Here, we take a look at what this treatment involves and whether or not it is considered to be permissible in the Islamic faith.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation allowed in in Islam?
Yes it is. Let us explain why.
What Is Scalp Micro Pigmentation?
SMP or Scalp Micro Pigmentation is a treatment that involves the depositing of pigment into the skin’s dermal layer on the scalp to replicate the appearance of hair follicles.
These pigment dots look like hair follicles both when viewed from a distance and when viewed from just a couple of inches away. It is an effective option for people who have a receding hairline or hair loss and are worried about their appearance.
Is SMP The Same As Tattooing?
The Scalp Micro Pigmentation process is very similar to tattooing, so it isn’t surprising that many people confuse the two things.
Of course, traditional tattoos are haram since they change the individual’s original appearance, thus changing Allah’s creation. The significant difference between SMP and traditional tattooing is that SMP is not modifying the individual’s body but rather restoring what was once present.
Furthermore, the process of SMP only uses a semi-permanent natural pigment instead of regular tattoo ink. The pigment used for Scalp Micro Pigmentation is made from Iron Oxide, a substance that is already present naturally inside the body, unlikely regular tattoo ink which contains non-natural substances.
Scalp Micro Pigmentation also has absolutely no effect whatsoever on the skin’s ability to absorb water for wudhu, and no effect on its ability to release water in the form of sweat.
For all of these reasons, therefore, Scalp Micro Pigmentation is considered to be a permissible treatment for hair loss, male pattern baldness, or a receding hairline under Islamic law.
Treatment Not Modification
There was a ruling from the European Council For Fatwa and Research back in 2016 which stated that SMP was permitted under Islamic law because it’s purpose is to treat an ailment rather than to modify the body.
Not only that, but the treatment is also only temporary, with touch-ups being required once or twice per year to restore the result, and the short-lived impact of this treatment only reinforces that ruling that SMP is not haram.
Further support for this ruling comes in the form of a quote from a Hadeeth about Arfaja bin Sa’ad who received an injury to his nose during a battle and used a brace made from silver to repair it before being advised by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to switch to one made from gold due to the problems he was experiencing with it. The use of the brace was not viewed as a body modification but rather as a treatment.
Baldness is considered to be the same as any other kind of ailment and treating it in any way is allowed under Islamic law, whether that treatment involves hair transplanting or colouring. In fact, it is viewed as being similar to using permissible treatments to treat burns on the skin.
With all of the above in mind, Muslims who are keen to undergo Scalp Micro Pigmentation to treat their receding hairline or hair loss can undergo the procedure without any worries about the treatment being Haram. They can be confident in having treatment without breaking any Islamic laws.
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