This article breaks down the Islamic rulings, conditions on cosmetic procedures —from reconstructive surgeries and weight reduction to hair restoration according to the council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy. The article also highlights the practices that are forbidden. You will learn when cosmetic surgery aligns with Sharī’ah, the role of medical ethics, and practical guidance for patients and doctors alike.

The Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, affiliated with the Organization of the Islamic Conference, held its 18th session in Putrajaya, Malaysia, from July 9-14, 2007. After reviewing research on cosmetic surgery and its rulings and holding extensive discussions, the Council decided (decision no. 173 (18/11)) the following: (more…)

Question: What is the ruling on insurance, whether it be life-insurance or property insurance?   Answer: Insuring one's life and property is forbidden; it is not permissible due to the fact that Al-Gharar and usury are involved therein. And Allaah, the Almighty, the All-Powerful has forbidden all types of dealings…

Al-Luqata - Linguistic Meaning: A thing that is picked up. It is a name for a thing that someone finds and picks up.   Al-Luqata - Meaning in the Sharee'ah: Picking up a lost valuable item with the intention to preserve it or to own it after making a public…

The scholars differed concerning the ruling on listening attentively to recitation of the Qur’an outside of prayer. There are two opinions; The first view is that it is obligatory. This is the view of the Hanafis. They quoted as evidence the verse in which Allaah (Ta'ala) says in Surat al-A’raaf…

The congregational prayer is enjoined in the Shari’ah for the purpose of gathering, unity, and affability. This is especially achieved when the congregation stands close together in the rows, near one another and shoulder to shoulder. It is reported in the Saheehain (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim) that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi…

Hair Extensions The scholars are in consensus regarding the general prohibition of hair extensions. It is quoted in the Hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) that Allaah has cursed the lady who lengthens (her or someone else’s) hair artificially. [Al-Bukhaari no. 5937] There is another stricter Hadeeth regarding this matter…

Is there a text in the Qur’an that forbids stunning animals before slaughtering them? Question: The way of slaughtering animals that is used in many countries is to strike the animal on the head or stun it by electric shock, then slaughter it after that. Is slaughtering in this manner…

Is this Bribery? Question: I am employed at a delivery company that transports refrigerated goods (fruits and vegetables) to Madinah, Jeddah, Makkah, and Riyadh. When I reach my destination with the goods, the produce owner gives me 100 to 200 Riyals in recognition of my speedy delivery. My employer knows…