Laser treatment and Cauterization

Question : Can we do laser treatment to remove hair? Is it the same as cauterization?

All Praise be to Allah

Summary: Yes, laser hair removal is permissible in Islam, and it is not the same as cauterization, which has specific prohibitions or restrictions in Islamic teachings.

Detailed Answer: Laser hair removal is a method used for removing unwanted body hair, and it does not involve any burning or invasive damage similar to that of cauterization. Laser treatment is intended for cosmetic or hygienic purposes, which are permissible, as it does not cause harm or unnecessary pain.

Cauterization, on the other hand, is a medical procedure involving burning tissue to stop bleeding or close a wound. Multiple ahaadeeth highlight the use of cauterization in Islamic history, but it is generally discouraged due to the physical suffering it causes. The scholars categorized cauterization into four main points:

1. Permissibility: It was allowed in cases of necessity, as in the example where Ubayy was treated by cauterization under the instruction of the Prophet (SAW) on the day of Al-Ahzaab (Muslim 2207).
2. Dislike: The Prophet (SAW) mentioned he did not prefer it, saying, “If there is anything good in your medicine it is in the instrument of the cupper, or drinking honey, or cauterizing with fire, but I would not like to be cauterized.” (Bukhari 5683, Muslim 2205).
3. Praise for Avoidance: The Prophet (SAW) praised those who avoided cauterization. An example is the hadith about the seventy thousand people who will enter Paradise without being brought to account, and among their qualities is that they avoided cauterization (Bukhari 6541, Muslim 218).
4. Makrooh Status: There are narrations indicating that cauterization is makrooh (disliked) because of the pain and suffering it causes (Bukhari 5681).

Thus, while cauterization is permissible in situations of necessity, it is discouraged generally due to the physical pain it involves. This contrasts with laser hair removal, which is a non-invasive procedure aimed at hair reduction and does not involve unnecessary suffering.

And Allah Knows Best