Many Muslims contemplating hair transplant surgery often wonder about its permissibility in Islam. It is essential to understand the religious rulings regarding hair treatments and whether they are considered halal (permissible) or haram (prohibited) within Islamic teachings.
To determine how hair transplant is viewed in Islam, it is important to first understand the procedure itself. At Clinicana, we take pride in being the top hair transplant hospital for FUE in Turkey. With our experience and skilled medical staff, we can provide detailed information about this treatment.
How is Hair Transplantation Performed?
Hair transplant involves transferring hair follicles from one area of a person’s scalp to another. This procedure typically involves extracting hair follicles from the back of the head (donor area) and implanting them in the balding area. The implantation process includes creating small holes and placing the follicles in them. This technique, known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), is the most advanced method used today. After the procedure, the implanted hair may fall out within the first few months, but the follicles remain intact. It is advised not to shave the hair for six months following the procedure. After this period, the hair cycle completes, and it can be shaved or undergo another transplant if desired.
Hair Extensions vs. Hair Transplantation
Before discussing the Islamic rulings on hair transplant, it is essential to differentiate between hair extensions and hair transplant. Although they may appear similar, these two concepts are distinct and have different implications within Islam.
Hair extensions involve attaching additional hair to a person’s original hair to achieve longer or altered appearances. Hair extensions were known and practiced during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). However, it is narrated in a hadith that the Prophet forbade the use of hair extensions. He stated that those who add or request hair extensions are cursed. Therefore, hair extensions are considered haram in Islam.
Key Differences Between Hair Extensions and Hair Transplantation:
- Source of Hair: Hair extensions use hair from another person or synthetic sources, whereas hair transplant uses the individual’s own hair follicles.
- Attachment: Hair extensions are attached and tied to the original hair, while hair transplant involves directly implanting hair follicles into the scalp or the area to be treated.
- Purpose: Hair extensions aim to create the appearance of longer or thicker hair, but they do not promote real hair growth. In contrast, hair transplant aims to restore natural hair growth and treat baldness.
- Intent: Hair extensions deceive by creating the illusion of hair density, while hair transplant is a genuine treatment for hair loss.
Islamic Rulings on Hair Transplantation
So, is hair transplant haram? Based on Islamic scholars’ opinions, let us review their statements to determine if hair transplant is halal:
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen stated that hair transplant is permissible. He explained that it is a procedure to repair damage to the scalp caused by baldness, not an attempt to alter Allah’s creation. Hair transplant is considered a therapeutic measure rather than cosmetic surgery to modify one’s appearance.
Dr. Muhammad Uthman Shubair mentioned that surgical hair treatment, such as head hair transplantation, is permissible as it restores the natural creation that Allah intended.
The Islamic Fiqh Academy states that necessary plastic surgeries, including hair transplants, are permitted. These surgeries aim to restore the natural state of body parts, conceal congenital defects, and treat conditions resulting from accidents, diseases, or burns.
The Tale of Three Israelites, mentioned in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, supports the permissibility of concealing defects through hair transplantation. In the story, Allah tested three Israelites—a leper, a blind man, and a bald-headed man. The bald man expressed his desire for hair, and an angel granted his wish, indicating that concealing defects through hair restoration is permissible.
These rulings indicate that hair transplant, as a medical procedure that restores lost hair using a person’s own follicles, is permitted in Islam. It is not considered altering Allah’s creation, but rather a treatment to conceal defects and address medical conditions.
In summary, hair transplant surgery is allowed in Islam based on the opinions of prominent scholars and the teachings of hadiths. It is important to note that hair transplant is distinct from hair extensions and serves as a therapeutic solution rather than a deceptive practice.