Assalamu alaikum guys,
This topic confuses me a lot. Because this doubt of "Is this actually changing the creation of Allah" can pop up in our minds on a daily basis. Most of the time I can't decide what counts as changing the creation of Allah and what doesn't. For example;
Going to the gym because you want to get fit, bigger muscles, strength, agility etc... Am i making a mistake by getting my muscles developed ?
Hair transplantation because i have male pattern alopecia ?
Shaping or trimming beard, hair, eyebrows etc. ?
Using prosthetic arm/leg etc... ?
How should we think about this topic with a Quranic perspective ?
Salam :)
First let's cite the verse you described.
4:119--And I will mislead them, and I will arouse in them [sinful] desires, and I will command them so they will slit the ears of cattle, and I will command them so they will change the creation of Allah." And whoever takes Satan as an ally instead of Allah has certainly sustained a clear loss.
In this verse, changing the creation of Allah is referred to in a negative light only when it changes the nature of beings. For example, Satan is arousing sinful and evil desires in people, and altering their God-loving nature. Changing God's creation in this way is harmful.
Going to the gym is just a function of staying healthy. This verse refers to those who alter the creation of Allah in a harmful way, trying to divert people from the path of God. Cattle branding (or ear-slitting) is also referred to in this verse because it's a cruel and harmful practice. That's all.
Hope this helps :)
And see:
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=851.0
Mariyah