Question:
Assalamualaikum w.b.t. Is it permissible for me to undergo laser treatment to treat my pale lips so that it returns to their original red color? Hope for an explanation.
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam w.b.t.
Alhamdulillah, praise and gratitude to Allah SWT for His countless blessings for us all. Praise and salutations to our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his family, companions, and all those who follow his footsteps until the Last Day.
We start with the statement of Allah SWT:
وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا
“And not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof,” [1]
Sayyid Qutb stated that adornments are permissible for women to wear to fulfill their natural desires. Each woman wants to look beautiful and be seen as pretty. Although adornments are different from time to time, however, the basic of adornment is the same, they are in the nature of women, that is to attain and perfect their beauty and show it off to men. Islam is not against this natural desire, rather it controls and guides it. Islam wants this natural desire to be channeled towards a clear and correct target and that is towards her one and only husband, who shares her life of which her body can be seen not by any other person but the one guy – that is her husband. [2]
Likewise, in the statement of Allah SWT:
قُلْ مَنْ حَرَّمَ زِينَةَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي أَخْرَجَ لِعِبَادِهِ وَالطَّيِّبَاتِ مِنَ الرِّزْقِ قُلْ هِيَ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا خَالِصَةً يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ كَذَلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ
Say, “Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?” Say, “They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.” Thus, do We detail the verses for a people who know.” [3]
Muhammad Ali al-Sabuni stated that the above verse is to reject the opinion of whoever prohibited anything, whether it is food or clothing, according to their own opinions and not from the shariah of Allah SWT. [4]
Basically, the original ruling of clothing and adornment is permissible, whether it is worn on one’s body, clothing, or decorating a place. However, the ruling remains – permissible and halal – as long as there are no specific evidences that exempt the ruling.[5]
Definition of LASER and treatments employing this technology
The word LASER is an acronym for the English terminology “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” [6] According to the 4th Edition of Kamus Dewan, a laser is a tool used to produce and amplify light waves making them into a strong and focused light at one point. [7]
A laser is a beam of light that has a certain wavelength and will produce energy. When radiated to the skin or tissue, the energy will be absorbed by certain cells under the skin layer. The absorbed energy will turn into heat and further destroy the target cells. Each laser equipment is different according to the type of treatment. For example, laser equipment for the treatment of pigmentation cannot be used for other problems such as removing tattoos or ingrown hairs. This is because the energy from the distance of the wave produced will act on the target cell only, while other non-target cells do not absorb the energy.
In addition, lasers can be used for various skin problems such as skin pigmentation, acne, small blood vessels under the skin, removing tattoos, removing facial hair, tightening the skin, treating scars, and so on. Laser treatment can be given to anyone depending on medical or cosmetic needs. However, experts will conduct an examination before suggesting whether laser treatment and the available equipment are suitable or not. There are several complications that can occur, among which the surface of the skin can turn red for a few days. Likewise, bruising and burns may occur after treatment. Burns will leave scars. The skin will be sensitive to light rays and can cause pigmentation.[8] These are the complications that can occur with laser treatment in general.
Dr. Abdul Jamil Jamal Buhari, who is an Esthetician mentioned that the problem of lips that often occurs is dry and peeling. Dry and cracked lips will be sore and painful. This is usually caused by an allergy to certain lipsticks or lotions. So, among the treatments that can be suggested is using a laser to help make the lips redder, and more elastic, reducing cracks and fine lines on the lips. A laser that uses 1,046nm waves will be emitted on the lips within three to five minutes. The radiation will stimulate the collagen and elastin tissue on the lips. No swelling, redness, or burning can be felt. When collagen and elastin are stimulated, it will make the lips red, reduce fine lines and soften the texture of the lips.[9]
The ruling of undergoing LASER treatment for pale lips
Regarding this matter, in our opinion, treatment of pale lips using LASER as explained above is permissible. This is as stated in a general statement of Allah SWT:
هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ لَكُم مَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا
“It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth.” [10]
Furthermore, this treatment is not included in the act of changing the creation of Allah SWT that has been prohibited by syarak because it doesn’t change anything in the original creation. However, the treatment’s purpose is to treat pale and cracked lips by treating it so that it returns to their original color. Dr Soleh al-Fauzan in his book related to plastic or cosmetic surgery stated that any reconstructive surgery to treat or restore the creation back – to normal – is not included in prohibited matters that change the creation of Allah SWT. [11]
Moreover, there is a hadith from Abdullah bin Mas’ud RA that becomes the parameter in determining the limitation or vastness in this matter. The Prophet PBUH said:
لَعَنَ اللَّهُ الواشِماتِ والْمُسْتَوْشِماتِ، والنّامِصاتِ والْمُتَنَمِّصاتِ، والْمُتَفَلِّجاتِ لِلْحُسْنِ الـمُغَيِّراتِ خَلْقَ اللهِ
“Allah has cursed those women who practise tattooing and those women who have themselves tattooed, and those women who get their hair removed from their eyebrows and faces (except the beard and the moustache), and those who make artificial spaces between their teeth for beauty, whereby they change Allah’s creation.” [12]
The above hadith shows that all the matters stated are prohibited and the word ‘cursed’ in the hadith is evidence that it is included in major sins. Furthermore, due to the curse mentioned in the same hadith through the phrase “المــُـغَيِّرَاتِ خَلْقَ اللَّهِ” which is the desired attribute by the tattoo artist, a person who plucks her facial hair, and create a gap in between their teeth. [13] However, Imam al-Nawawi said that the word “لِلْحُسْنِ” in the hadith signals the prohibition is addressing those who do so only for the purpose of beauty. Thus, it can be understood that if there is an exigent need such as for medical reasons or to remove a disfigurement or others then it is permissible.[14]
Dr. Soleh al-Fauzan further explained, the binding word “لِلْحُسْنِ” in the above hadith shows that the prohibition is specific if it is done for the purpose of attaining more beauty from what is – what is originally created (normal). If it is done to treat or reconfigure a disfigurement, then it is permissible. Hence, it shows that not all change is prohibited. Furthermore, the letter “lam” in the word “لِلْحُسْنِ” explains the reason (التعليل), all at once excluding treatment and others from the prohibition. [15]
Conclusion
According to the discussion and deliberation, in our opinion, LASER lip treatment following the above-mentioned Islamic legal maxim is permissible. The reason is the treatment is not included as an act that changes Allah SWT’s creation that is prohibited, consequently, its purpose is to treat and recover pale and cracked lips back to their original color – normal.
However, we also advise those who are seeking to get the LASER lip treatment to consult and get advice from a medical expert before proceeding to do it – which is to ensure that the LASER treatment is suitable or not for them – to avoid any unwanted complications.
May Allah SWT grant us all a clear understanding in this religion. Ameen.
Wallahu a’lam.
[1] Surah al-Nur: 31
[2] Lihat Fi Zilal al-Quran, 4/2512.
[3] Surah al-A‘raf: 32
[4] Lihat Mukhtasar Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 2/15.
[5] Lihat al-Fiqh al-Manhaji, 3/89-90.
[6] Lihat http://www.myhealth.gov.my/laser-dalam-pembedahan-plastik/. Diakses pada 16 Februari 2022.
[7] Lihat https://prpm.dbp.gov.my/Cari1?keyword=laser. Diakses pada 16 Februari 2022.
[8] Lihat http://www.myhealth.gov.my/laser-dalam-pembedahan-plastik/. Diakses pada 16 Februari 2022.
[9] Lihat Berita Harian Online, laporan berita bertajuk: “Rawatan untuk Bibir Menawan,” bertarikh: 10 April 2015. https://www.bharian.com.my/bhplus-old/2015/04/46662/rawatan-untuk-bibir-menawan. Diakses pada 16 Februari 2022.
[10] Surah al-Baqarah: 29
[11] Lihat al-Jirahah al-Tajmiliyyah, hlm. 74.
[12] Riwayat al-Bukhari (4886); Muslim (2125)
[13] Lihat Fath al-Bari oleh Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, 10/373.
[14] Lihat al-Minhaj Syarh Sahih Muslim, 14/107.
[15] Lihat al-Jirahah al-Tajmiliyyah, hlm. 73.