The Islamic discourse regarding temporary modifications to the body, particularly in the context of cosmetic procedures such as Botox in Dubai, UAE, is firmly rooted in the interpretation of Taghyir Khalqillah (altering Allah's creation). While the principle is unequivocal in its condemnation of certain permanent alterations or changes done with ill intentions, it becomes intricate when applied to transient aesthetic enhancements.
https://www.glamclinicdubai.ae/en/cosmetic-injectables/botox-injections/
The Fundamental Principle: Taghyir Khalqillah
The basis for Taghyir Khalqillah is derived from the Quran (An-Nisa 4:119), where Satan pledges to "command them so they will change the creation of Allah." This verse, coupled with various Prophetic traditions (Hadith) that curse those who permanently modify their bodies for mere beautification (e.g., tattooing, teeth filing for beauty, excessive plucking/thinning of eyebrows for vanity), serves as the foundation for the prohibition.

The core of the prohibition is generally understood to be against:

1. Permanent, irreversible alterations to one's natural form, motivated by dissatisfaction with God's creation or for the purpose of deception.
2. Mutilation or causing harm to the body without a valid reason.
3. Changes that imitate forbidden acts or lead to sinful outcomes.

The Debate on "Non-Permanent" Alterations
The crux of the jurisprudential debate lies in the temporary nature of many contemporary cosmetic procedures, including Botox. Scholars deliberate on whether a non-permanent alteration falls under the prohibited Taghyir Khalqillah.

1. The Argument for Prohibition (Often Applicable to Cosmetic Use for Vanity):
- Emphasis on Intent and Cumulation: Advocates of this stance argue that even though the physical impact is temporary, the intention behind seeking repeated cosmetic procedures (like Botox for anti-aging) is to deviate from one's natural appearance. Continuously using Botox to maintain a youthful look and erase natural wrinkles can lead to a sustained "altered" appearance over time, reflecting dissatisfaction with Allah's creation and a pursuit of vanity contrary to Islamic teachings on humility and contentment.
- Prevention of Deception: This viewpoint also underscores the potential for deception. If someone uses cosmetic procedures to appear significantly younger than their actual age, it may be considered misleading, which goes against Islamic values.
- Avoidance of Excess (Israf): Excessive focus on outward appearance and extravagant spending on non-essential cosmetic procedures can be viewed as extravagance, which is prohibited in Islam.
- Analogy to Prohibited Temporary Acts: While not inherently permanent, some scholars argue that certain temporary practices performed repeatedly to achieve a "permanent-like" effect (e.g., continual thinning of eyebrows) could still fall under the general prohibition if the intention is to contradict one's natural disposition.

2. The Argument for Conditional Permissibility (Often Relevant to Medical/Psychological Needs or Moderate Aesthetic Enhancement):
- Focus on "Permanence": Scholars who permit non-permanent alterations often draw a clear distinction between temporary and permanent changes. They argue that Taghyir Khalqillah primarily pertains to irreversible modifications (like tattoos or surgical mutilations that cannot be undone). Since the effects of Botox wear off, returning the body to its natural state, it does not constitute a permanent "change." It is likened to permissible temporary adornments like makeup, henna, or hair dye, universally accepted for beautification.
- Alleviation of Hardship/Distress: A significant consideration in this perspective is the relief of genuine hardship or distress. If certain non-permanent alterations, such as Botox for deep frown lines, help alleviate severe psychological distress, enhance self-esteem, or correct an unfavorable facial expression (e.g., appearing consistently angry or sad), the benefit of mitigating harm may outweigh the perceived "alteration," aligning with the Islamic principle of raf' al-darar (removal of harm).
- Beautification for Spouse: If the non-permanent alteration is discreetly intended for the spouse to enhance mutual attraction within the marriage, some scholars deem it permissible, as Islam encourages spouses to adorn themselves for each other.
- Moderation and Natural Appearance: This perspective typically emphasizes that any permissible cosmetic alteration should be subtle, aiming to "refresh" or "restore" a more pleasant appearance, without involving radical transformations or attempting to look entirely unnatural.

Examples of Non-Permanent Alterations in the Islamic Discourse:
- Makeup: Widely accepted as permissible, being temporary and not altering the physical structure.
- Henna: Allowed as it is temporary and used for adornment.
- Hair Dye: Generally permissible, provided it does not contain forbidden ingredients (such as black dye for deception about age or prohibited hair extensions).
- Hair Removal (e.g., Laser Hair Removal): Generally permissible if safe and does not unnecessarily expose intimate parts to others, seen as cleanliness or removal of unwanted hair.
- Fillers (Temporary): Similar to Botox,