Is removing a birthmark permissible, based on the premise that it falls under the category of removing defects and returning to the natural form in which Allah created humans in the best stature?
Allah created humankind in the best of forms, and He prohibited altering creation for the sake of beauty. However, He permitted altering it to remove a defect or avert harm. Based on the hadith that curses women who practice tattooing, plucking of eyebrows, and tooth filing for beauty, and based on Al-Nawawi's statement that the prohibition applies to tooth filing for beauty, while if it is for a therapeutic need, there is no harm, and based on what Ibn 'Uthaymeen mentioned that the general rule is: "What is for beautification is forbidden, and what is for removing a defect is permissible," then if a birthmark causes harm, such as people shunning one, or if one fears skin diseases from it, it is permissible to remove it. It is advisable to consult a specialized dermatologist.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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