Malaysia's National Fatwa Council has ruled that it is forbidden for Muslims to use the Botox injections to appear younger than they look because it contains pork ingredients, allowing the use of the highly effective neurotoxic protein in treating medical conditions such as cerebral palsy.

"The council arrived at the decision after studying reports from abroad, local specialists and fatwas (decrees) made in Middle Eastern countries," Council chairman Prof Datuk Shukor Husin told Malaysia's New Strait Times Friday, July 28.

In medical cases, Husin said Botox must be used only when the patient is in a dire situation and the treatment is provided by a specialist.

"This decision refers to situations when there are no alternatives for medical treatment. Since its introduction, there have also been many fake products in the market and that is another reason why it is haram," he noted.

Several plastic surgeons using Botox said that Muslims only accounted for between 10 and 15 per cent of their clientele.

Dr Angamuthu Rajoo told the paper that for every 15 Malaysians coming to see him for a Botox procedure, fewer than five are Muslims.

"Most want to improve their facial features, with the most popular treatment administered to the forehead and crows feet to get rid of lines. Some also wanted to firm up their jaws," he said.

Botulin toxin is widely used to cure facial problems but is best known for its cosmetic qualities. It paralyses facial muscles, giving foreheads a relaxed, wrinkle-free appearance.

It is also used in minute doses to treat painful muscle spasms. It is sold commercially under the brand names Botox and Dysport.

Welcome

The council's decision was supported by several individuals and non-governmental organizations, the paper said.

TV presenter Azwan Ali welcomed the council's ruling.

"People should learn to accept their looks and come to terms with ageing instead of altering what God had given them," he said.

The Women Section of the Jemaah Islah Malaysian noted that the council arrived at the decision after much deliberation and consultation with experts.

"So the Muslim community should respect the ruling," said its president Dr Harlina Halizah Siraj.

But there were also signs that not everyone was going to toe the line.

"I did not see any problem using it. Every woman wants to look beautiful and have a face free from lines and wrinkles," said TV presenter Nurfarahin Jamsari

The Health Ministry has demanded that all imported pharmaceutical products registered with the Drug Control Authority and containing pork ingredients be printed with the special label "porcine origin."

Source: Islamonline