The permissibility of face exercises in Islam depends on the intention and method.
Intention Matters
Face exercises aimed at improving appearance without a legitimate medical reason are generally considered haram (forbidden) by some Islamic scholars. This is based on the principle of avoiding altering Allah's creation. The act of seeking to significantly change one's facial features solely for aesthetic purposes is viewed as potentially going against this principle. Several sources emphasize that gratitude for one's natural features is important. One reference states explicitly: "If you have no deformity, then it's haraam. Be grateful for the face which Allah has given you."
However, if the exercises are performed for a medically necessary reason, such as correcting a deformity, they may be permissible (halal). This aligns with the Islamic principle of seeking remedies for health issues.
Types of Face Exercises and Their Islamic Ruling
- Therapeutic Exercises: If face exercises are used to treat a medical condition or injury, and not for cosmetic reasons, they are likely permissible. The core principle is that seeking treatment and improvement of health within the bounds of Islamic teachings is acceptable.
- Cosmetic Exercises: If done solely to change facial features for cosmetic enhancement (e.g., to obtain dimples, slim down the nose etc.), many scholars would deem it haram. The intention to significantly alter one’s natural features is the key issue here.
- General Facial Muscle Exercise: Gentle exercises for facial muscle maintenance or relaxation are not clearly addressed in the same way. The impact of such exercises is relatively minor, unlike procedures aiming for significant structural changes. This area remains subject to individual interpretation, but given the broad acceptance of exercise for health, it might be seen as permissible.
Conclusion
It's crucial to discern the purpose and extent of the face exercises. While therapeutic exercises for medical reasons are generally acceptable, purely cosmetic exercises with the intent of significantly altering Allah's creation are viewed negatively by many Islamic scholars.
