Undergoing Surgery to Correct a Defect in the Nail

30-8-2026 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalamu alaykum. I had surgery for an ingrown toenail 5 years ago.Since then, my toenail is damaged, thickened, and only part of it grows, it’s a big insecurity to me.I am considering a medical toenail reconstruction for protection and appearance. If the reconstruction only replaces the missing tip/part of the nail and the nail bed and surrounding skin remain exposed to water, is my wudu valid?Does the ruling differ if it is for medical reasons, not only cosmetic purposes?Jazakum Allahu khayran

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

It is permissible for you to undergo that surgery and have that reconstruction, because it is not merely for beautification; rather, it is to remove an obvious defect that has affected the nail. Furthermore, what is covered by the nail does not have to be washed, because doing so is not possible. Therefore, your ablution is valid if the new nail will cover the same area as the original nail used to cover.

Allah Knows best.