Allah has cursed those women who practise tattooing and those who get it done for themselves, and those who remove hair from their faces, and those who artificially create spaces between their teeth to look beautiful, such women as alter the features created by Allah. Why should I not then curse those whom Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) has cursed and that is in Allah's Book?
Hadith Commentary: Sahih al-Bukhari 5948
This narration from the Book of Dress in Sahih al-Bukhari addresses significant matters pertaining to women's adornment and the prohibition of altering Allah's creation. The curse mentioned indicates the gravity of these actions in divine law.
Prohibited Acts Explained
Tattooing (al-Washm): The permanent marking of skin with ink, which constitutes changing Allah's creation and imitating disbelieving nations. Both the practitioner and recipient are cursed.
Facial Hair Removal (al-Namisah): Specifically plucking eyebrows to alter natural appearance, which constitutes deception and changing Allah's creation without legitimate reason.
Tooth Gap Creation (al-Mutanamishat): Artificially creating spaces between teeth for beautification, representing unnatural alteration of physical features.
Scholarly Perspectives
Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain these prohibitions fall under "changing Allah's creation" and involve deception. The curse applies to both parties involved in these acts, emphasizing collective responsibility.
Exceptions exist for medical necessity, such as removing harmful facial hair or dental procedures for health reasons, as these serve legitimate purposes rather than mere beautification.
Legal Rulings
The majority of scholars consider these acts forbidden (haram) based on the explicit curse in the hadith. Some contemporary scholars permit temporary cosmetic enhancements that don't permanently alter creation.
The underlying wisdom protects human dignity, prevents deception in marriage contracts, and preserves the natural creation as designed by Allah.