Can I Get Surgery to Make My Nose Beautiful?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

My nose has created complexes for me. I don’t like taking photos; it makes me uncomfortable when people look at me, and I avoid people staring at my side profile because I feel ugly. I sound like a dramatic teenager, but my nose has caused me angst. I suffer from body dysmorphia, so I spend many hours a day looking at the physical traits I don’t like about myself, and I stare at my nose all day and take pictures of it to see how it looks.

It makes me cry; it is making me mentally ill. I’ve been thinking about getting rhinoplasty for a long time, but it’s haram. Is the operation still haram if it is to feel better about myself? I also have a slightly deviated nasal septum, it doesn’t cause any respiratory problems, but I want to fix it. Is it also haram?

Answer

I am sorry that you have had such a hard time with your self-confidence and are upset. I pray that you can overcome your feelings about your nose and see that Allah made you perfect the day He created you.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others. People of any age can have BDD, but it’s most common in teenagers and young adults.

Since you have the above disorder, it is imperative for you to get treatment. Try to see a doctor or therapist about it and continue to do so until you feel better about yourself.

Take a look at this article:
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Nose

I recommend you spend your time, effort, and money on beautifying your character and increasing your knowledge instead of worrying about your outside. Your looks will not help you on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet, may Allah bless and grant him peace, said, “Verily Allah does not look to your faces and wealth, but He looks to your heart and your deeds.” [Muslim] Also, remember that a woman of great beauty carries herself with dignity, intelligence, honesty, devotion, and modesty. This is a far deeper beauty that brings light to one’s face, which is the ultimate beauty.

Low self-esteem is not a legal reason to get rhinoplasty. Instead, Allah Most High curses those who change his fair and natural creation.

Please see these links:
Is Cosmetic Surgery Allowed?
Is Cosmetic Surgery Permitted in the Shafi’i School?

As for a deviated septum, it is acceptable to get surgery for that; consult with your doctor and weigh the pros and cons. Some wait until they are older to deal with it because respiratory problems can appear or get worse over time.

May Allah Most High make this easy for you and help you see your true inner and outer beauty.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.