Is It Permissible to Work in Dermatology If It Involves Cosmetic Procedures Like Injections and Fillers?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it permissible to work in dermatology if it involves cosmetic procedures like injections and fillers?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

Thank you for your question.

The General Ruling

In the Shafi‘i School, cosmetic procedures are judged according to intention and purpose. Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him), speaking about filing teeth, said: “This is impermissible for both the one who is doing it and the one it is done for because of the hadith and because it is changing the creation of Allah Most High … What is impermissible is doing that for the purpose of beautification. As for when there is a need, such as medical treatment or disfigurement … or the like, then there is nothing wrong with that.” [Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim]

Thus, procedures for beauty alone are prohibited, as they fall under the general prohibition of altering Allah’s creation: “Allah’s curse is on those women who practise tattooing and get themselves tattooed, and those who remove hair from their faces, and those who make space between their teeth artificially to beautify themselves. They are such that they change the nature and features created by Allah. Allah’s Messenger also cursed such women.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

However, procedures for genuine medical or psychological need, such as correcting disfigurements, congenital defects, or scars, are permissible.

Allah Most High says: “We have certainly created man in the best of stature.” [Quran, 95:4] This verse reminds us that altering Allah’s creation without a valid cause contradicts the wisdom with which He created us.

Your Work in Dermatology

If your work as a dermatologist involves both lawful (treating skin diseases, correcting defects, restoring function) and unlawful (procedures done purely for beauty enhancement without need) aspects, the ruling follows:

• Permissible work remains permissible; treating patients for genuine medical needs is praiseworthy.
• Unlawful work must be avoided; if a patient requests a procedure for beauty alone, you should avoid directly administering it.
• If unavoidable, your earnings remain lawful until you are able to secure a position free of such impermissible tasks, but you should actively seek alternatives.

Practical Guidance

1. Differentiate needs from beautification: Ensure you only perform procedures that meet genuine medical or psychological needs.
2. Consult both scholars and medical specialists when a case is unclear.
3. Seek employment settings that allow you to avoid procedures prohibited by Sacred Law.
4. Preserve your intention: Serving people in permissible ways through medicine is a form of service to Allah’s creation.

I pray that Allah grants you clarity in your profession, protects your earnings, and makes your work a source of healing and blessing.

And Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.