Question:

I have a question on whether or not it is permissible to remove the excess fat that is under my eyes which gives me bags under my eyes. Since I was in my twenties I developed a condition in which there is excess fat buildup behind the skin that is under my eyes. It is hereditary. It gives me a look that makes me look tired all the time. It has effected my self-esteem greatly and I am very sensitive about it. It has been the source of much saddness for me and I always feel ugly when I look at myself in the mirror. It’s all I see when I look at any reflection of myself.

As I age, the condition is becoming worse. The bags under my eyes are becoming more and more puffy and have now started turning a little red. I am looking into plastic surgery in which the surgeon has explained to me that he will remove a very small amount of excess fat that is behind the skin under my eyes. Nothing else will be done. My humble question to you is: is this ok to do in Islam? Will I be violating any laws of Sharia? I will not dare to do anything that is in violation of the laws of Islam. I would appreciate it greatly if you can give me advice as to whether or not I can have this procedure done without violating any laws.

Jazak Allah Khayran for your time and consideration.

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

It is permissible for you to undergo the surgery in reference for the reason mentioned in the query as it is merely to remove a defect and not for beautification purposes.[1]

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

(Mufti) Abdul Azeem bin Abdur Rahman

Checked and Approved by,

My Esteemed Ustadh Mufti Husain Kadodia Saheb Hafidhahullah

Disclaimer:

The Shar’a ruling herein given is based specifically on the question posed and should be read in conjunction with the question.

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[1]  إذَا أَرَادَ الرَّجُلُ أَنْ يَقْطَعَ إصْبَعًا زَائِدَةً أَوْ شَيْئًا آخَرَ قَالَ نُصَيْرٌ – رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى – إنْ كَانَ الْغَالِبُ عَلَى مَنْ قَطَعَ مِثْلَ ذَلِكَ الْهَلَاكَ فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَفْعَلُ وَإِنْ كَانَ الْغَالِبُ هُوَ النَّجَاةُ فَهُوَ فِي سَعَةٍ مِنْ ذَلِكَ (الفتاوي الهندية، ج 5، ص 360، المكتبة الرشيدية)

احسن الفتاوي، ج 8، ص 183، سعيد