Rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure to reshape the nose, is a subject of significant discussion within Islamic law. Islam permits medical interventions to address deformities or defects causing physical or psychological harm, as this aligns with the Shariah principle of removing harm. However, undergoing rhinoplasty purely for aesthetic enhancement, without medical necessity, is generally deemed impermissible. This restriction stems from the belief that altering Allah’s creation without valid justification contradicts Islamic principles. The permissibility of rhinoplasty hinges on the intent and necessity behind the procedure, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Shariah guidelines while addressing individual needs and circumstances.
When is Rhinoplasty Considered Permissible in Islam?
In Islamic jurisprudence, rhinoplasty, a procedure to alter the nose’s structure is considered permissible only under specific conditions where necessity and intent align with the principles of Shariah. Islam prioritizes alleviating harm and preserving human dignity permitting medical interventions that address genuine needs. Rhinoplasty becomes permissible when it serves therapeutic or reconstructive purposes helping individuals overcome physical or psychological distress. Conversely performing the procedure solely for aesthetic enhancement without any underlying necessity is deemed impermissible as it involves altering Allah’s creation without valid justification. The legitimacy of rhinoplasty is thus evaluated based on the intent and necessity involved.
Circumstances when rhinoplasty is considered permissible:
- Addressing congenital defects or deformities
- Reconstructing nasal structure after injury or trauma
- Treating medical issues causing breathing impairments or discomfort
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of removing harm and restoring functionality. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged seeking medical treatment stating, “There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment.” This hadith provides a foundation for the permissibility of medical interventions including surgical procedures like rhinoplasty when aimed at restoring health or alleviating suffering. Furthermore historical precedents such as the Prophet permitting a companion to replace his lost nose with a prosthetic made of gold support the acceptability of medical treatments that serve therapeutic or reconstructive purposes.
Scholars also differentiate between procedures that address genuine needs and those pursued for purely aesthetic reasons. Surgeries intended to correct physical abnormalities or relieve emotional distress caused by deformities are generally deemed acceptable. For example if a person suffers from a deviated septum causing breathing difficulties or emotional hardship due to noticeable nasal deformities rhinoplasty aligns with the Islamic principle of removing harm. Similarly reconstructive surgery after trauma such as accidents leading to functional impairments or significant disfigurement is regarded as a legitimate medical need.
However surgeries undertaken solely for beautification such as altering a perfectly functional nose to enhance appearance are typically prohibited. Islamic law discourages unnecessary alteration of Allah’s creation emphasizing contentment with one’s natural form unless a legitimate need arises. Scholars caution against prioritizing vanity over the ethical and spiritual principles upheld in Islam.
1976 yılında İzmir’de doğan Prof. Dr. Murat Songu, İzmir Atatürk Lisesi sonrası 1994 yılında Ege Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi’ne girdi. Kulak Burun Boğaz Hastalıkları uzmanlık eğitimini Celal Bayar Üniversitesi’nde tamamladı. 5 Eylül 2014 tarihinde Ankara Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Hastanesi’nde yapılan sözlü sınavı ile “Kulak Burun Boğaz Hastalıkları Doçenti” olmaya hak kazandı. Türk Kulak Burun Boğaz ve Baş Boyun Cerrahisi Derneği Bursu’nu kazanarak Şubat 2016 – Mayıs 2016 tarihleri arasında Amerika’da Pittsburgh şehrinde UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)’da Robotik Cerrahi Ünitesi’nde çalıştı. 2 Nisan 2021 tarihinde “Kulak Burun Boğaz Hastalıkları Profesörü” olmaya hak kazandı. Evli ve iki çocuk (Ayşe Songu, Selim Songu) babası Prof. Dr. Murat Songu kurucusu olduğu Songu Klinik’te çalışmalarına devam etmektedir.