Is it permissible for me to have this extra finger amputated?
Question
I was born with six fingers on my right hand. I would not mind it, but the position of this additional finger is a bit protruding and disturbing. As it is my right hand, it gets exposed to many people and I have to face their face changes. I have researched and spoken to doctors about it and they say its easily possible. Is it permissible for me to have this extra finger amputated? Would it be changing the takhleeq of Allah?
Answer:
Bismillāhi Taʿala,
Waʿlaikum Assalām Waraḥmatullāh,
In principle there is scope for you to undertake such a surgical procedure. It will not necessitate any dislike from Allah as Sharīʿah gives us the leeway to fix abnormalities. This is the position of scholars in regards to corrective surgeries. [1]
Consult a number of physicians and make sure that the procedure does not endanger your life. May Allah assist you with your matter, Āmīn.
Wallāhu Aʿlam,
Wassalamu ʿalaykum,
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi
www.fatwa.ca
[1]
إذا أراد الرجل أن يقطع إصبعا زائدة أو شيئا آخر قال نصير – رحمه الله تعالى – إن كان الغالب على من قطع مثل ذلك الهلاك فإنه لا يفعل وإن كان الغالب هو النجاة فهو في سعة من ذلك (الفتاوى الهندية (5/ 360))