“In Montreal, some Muslim leaders have an ethical problem with hymenoplasty, viewing it as a form of deception”

Surgery that’s intended to repair the sin of premarital sex could be seen as a form of repentance, but if it’s used to deceive the groom, it might also be considered a lie, said Elmenyawi, president of the Muslim Council of Montreal.

Traditional Muslims also believe that surgery should only be done when medically necessary, and hymenoplasty is not; it might even expose a woman to infection, he said.

As well, it leaves her exposed to the view of a man, if the surgeon is male. Her husband would again be misled if he thinks he is the first man who has seen her intimately, Elmenyawi said.