The Book of Adornment - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5254

"May Allah curse Al-Mutanammisat and their teeth separated, who have tattoos done, changing the creation of Allah." A woman came to him and said: "Are you the one who said such-and-such?" He said: "Why should I not say what the Messenger of Allah [SAW] said?"

Commentary on the Prohibition

The term "Al-Mutanammisat" refers to women who seek to have their teeth filed for beautification, creating gaps between them. This practice, along with tattooing, constitutes "taghyīr khalqillāh" - altering Allah's creation without legitimate reason.

The severity is indicated by the invocation of Allah's curse (la'nah), reserved for major sins. Tattooing involves permanently inserting ink under the skin, while tooth filing permanently damages healthy teeth - both representing ungratefulness for Allah's perfect creation.

Scholarly Interpretation

The woman's confrontation demonstrates how these practices were common in pre-Islamic society. The companion's firm response shows the obligation to convey Islamic rulings regardless of social opposition.

Classical scholars like Imam Nawawi explained this prohibition applies to both the practitioner and the one who performs such alterations. Exceptions exist for medical necessity, but mere beautification without valid need remains prohibited.

Contemporary Application

This ruling extends to modern cosmetic procedures that permanently alter Allah's creation without medical justification, including certain types of plastic surgery. The principle preserves the natural form Allah has bestowed upon humanity.

Temporary adornments like henna are permissible as they don't permanently change creation. The wisdom behind this prohibition includes maintaining gratitude for Allah's creation and avoiding imitation of disbelieving cultures.