Using hormones to increase the growth of weak body Fatwa No: 90721
- Fatwa Date:15-11-2005
I am a 25 years-old male living abroad my country. I have a physical weakness in that my muscles are not as developed as they should be and I look like a 10 year-old baby in my chest, legs and even facial muscles. I am planning to use some growth hormones if they seem to be beneficial as I will be asking a medical professional. I want to know what Islamic ruling on growth hormones is. Please advice.
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
There is no harm, Inshaa' Allaah, in using hormones in order to increase the development of one's body when in need, provided that such hormones do not include any forbidden ingredient and that their use is not causing harm on the person. However, if they contain an ingredient that is forbidden in Islamic legislation or that one is pretty sure that they will cause harm if used, then in such a case it is not permissible to use them in order to prevent the harm. It is confirmed that the Prophet said: "One should not harm himself or cause any harm to others." [Ahmad]
To conclude, it should be noted that one should resort to trustworthy experienced doctors in this field.
Allaah Knows best.