A Muslim's Guide to Tattoos (2024)

Generally permanent tattoos are forbidden in Islam

A Muslim's Guide to Tattoos (1)

By

Huda

Islam Expert

Huda is an educator, school administrator, and author who has more than two decades of experience researching and writing about Islam online.

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Updated on September 30, 2018

As with many aspects of daily life, you may find differing opinions among Muslims on the topic of tattoos. The majority of Muslims consider permanent tattoos to be haram (forbidden), based onhadith(oral traditions) of the prophet Muhammad. The details provided in hadith help to understand the traditions relevant to tattoos as well as other forms of body art.

Tattoos Are Forbidden by Tradition

Scholars and individuals who believe that all permanent tattoos are forbidden base this opinion on the following hadith, recorded in the​​Sahih Bukhari (a written, and sacred, collection of hadith):

"It was narrated that Abu Juhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 'The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cursed the one who does tattoos and the one who has a tattoo done.' "

Although the reasons for the prohibition are not mentioned in the Sahih Bukhari, scholars have outlined various possibilities and arguments:

  • Tattooing is considered mutilating the body, thus changing Allah's creation
  • The process of getting a tattoo inflicts unnecessary pain and introduces the possibility of infection
  • Tattoos cover the natural body and are, therefore, a form of "deception"

Also, non-believers often adorn themselves this way, so getting tattoos is a form or imitating the kuffar (non-believers).

Some Body Alterations Are Allowed

Others, however,question how far these arguments can be taken. Adhering to the previous arguments would mean that any form of body modification would be banned according to hadith. They ask: Is it changing God's creation to pierce your ears? Dye your hair? Get orthodontic braces on your teeth? Wear colored contact lenses? Have rhinoplasty? Get a tan (or use whitening cream)?

Most Islamic scholars would say that it is permissible for women to wear jewelry (thus it's acceptable for women to pierce their ears). Elective procedures are allowed when done for medical reasons (such as getting braces or having rhinoplasty). And as long as it's not permanent, you can beautify your body through tanning or wearing colored contacts, for example. But damaging the body permanently for a vain reason is considered haram.

Other Considerations

Muslims only pray when they are in a ritual state of purity, free from any physical impurities or uncleanliness. To this end, wudu(ritual ablutions)are necessary before each formal prayer if one is to be in a state of purity. During ablution, a Muslim washes the parts of the body that are generally exposed to dirt and grime. The presence of a permanent tattoo does not invalidate one's wudu, as the tattoo is under your skin and does not prevent water from reaching your skin.

Nonpermanent tattoos, such as henna stains orstick-on tattoos, are generally permitted by scholars in Islam, provided they do not contain inappropriate images. Additionally, all of your prior actions are forgiven once you have converted and fully embraced Islam. Therefore, if you had a tattoo before becoming a Muslim, you are not required to remove it.

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Huda. "Are Muslims Allowed to Get Tattoos?" Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, learnreligions.com/tattoos-in-islam-2004393.Huda. (2020, August 26). Are Muslims Allowed to Get Tattoos? Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/tattoos-in-islam-2004393Huda. "Are Muslims Allowed to Get Tattoos?" Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/tattoos-in-islam-2004393 (accessed December 20, 2022).

A Muslim's Guide to Tattoos (2024)

FAQs

What do Muslims say about tattoos? ›

For those who aren't aware, tattoos are considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. There is no specific Islamic verse outlining this point but many people believe wudu (the purification ritual) cannot be completed if you have a tattoo on your body.

Can Muslims have cats? ›

In Islamic tradition, cats are admired for their cleanliness. They are thought to be ritually clean, and are thus allowed to enter homes and even mosques, including Masjid al-Haram.

Are Muslims allowed to date? ›

Generally, Muslims are told not to meet their spouse before marriage and are condemned from questioning this mentality. In truth, Islam teaches us love is kind, nourishing and pure. Meeting a spouse before marriage is wholly permitted and allowed if done with the right intentions and appropriately.

Are Muslims allowed to listen to music? ›

As a result, contemporary scholars including Shaykh al-Azhar Mahmud Shaltut, Shaykh Yusuf Qaradawi, and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini have all issued legal rulings that audio arts that do not encourage people to go against the faith are permitted.

Can we go to heaven with tattoos in Islam? ›

Islam. For many Muslims, permanent tattoos are haram (forbidden) based on the hadith (oral traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad. “It was narrated that Abu Juhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, 'The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cursed whoever tattooed himself and whoever got a tattoo.

Why Islam forbids tattoo? ›

Sunni Islamic scholars justify the prohibition of inked tattoos by arguing that tattooing the body mutilates it and changes God's creation, inflicts unnecessary pain, and introduces the possibility of infection. (Amal Al-Sibai, Health Dangers of Tattoos and Its Prohibition in Islam, ISLAMIC INFORMATION PATROL (Feb.

Why do cats cry at night in Islam? ›

Is this correct according to Islamic teachings? Considering the crying of a cat to be a sign of misfortune, or holding the thinking that due to a cat crying a calamity befalls or a person dies, is a form of taking bad omens from something, which is impermissible and a sin.

What is Prophet Muhammad favorite animal? ›

The Islamic prophet Muhammad always loved cats. His favorite feline of all was Muezza. Muhammad was so attached to him, he'd let the cat sit on his lap while he gave his sermons. He'd even drink water that Muezza had previously been lapping up [source: Islamic Information Portal].

Do Muslims respect cats? ›

In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques. According to authentic narrations, one may make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat has drunk from.

Why can't Muslims eat pork? ›

Unlike many other forms of livestock, pigs are omnivorous scavengers, eating virtually anything they come across, including carrion and refuse, which was deemed unclean. Furthermore, a Middle Eastern society keeping large stocks of pigs could destroy their ecosystem.

Can Muslims drink alcohol? ›

However, the dominant belief in Islam is that, not only is the consumption of alcohol in any of its forms forbidden, but Muslims should avoid even indirect association with alcohol.

Are Muslims allowed to wear shorts? ›

Men CANNOT wear shorts, and the shirts can be short-sleeved but fully covering the shoulders. Shoes don't really matter, as everybody has to remove any (walking into a mosque has to be barefooted). Women need to cover all the body except face, hands and feet.

Can Muslims wear makeup? ›

It is not considered haram if the cosmetic application is temporary, as permanently altering your body is not permissible in Islam. All in all, makeup is allowed for Muslim women if their intentions are pure and it doesn't contain any haram products.

Can Muslims marry non Muslims? ›

Ali said the Koran is clear that Muslim men are allowed to marry non-Muslim women as long as their brides are “People of the Book” — Christians or Jews, both of whom recognize Abraham as their spiritual forefather, as Muslims do. A Muslim woman, however, cannot marry a non-Muslim man unless he converts.

Can Muslims wear gold? ›

Background and Objectives: According to Islamic doctrines, the use of gold for men has been banned.

Are temporary tattoos haram? ›

So long as the adornment is temporary and harmless, there is no direct conflict with Sharia, the written Islamic law, or with the Hadith, though the use of temporary tattooing is not exactly endorsed. Temporary dyes and tattoos are often placed in the same category as things like blush and eyeliner.

Are permanent tattoos haram? ›

The majority of Muslims consider permanent tattoos to be haram (forbidden), based on hadith (oral traditions) of the prophet Muhammad.

Do any religions allow tattoos? ›

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have been hostile to the use of tattoos, but many religions, in particular Buddhism and Hinduism, make extensive use of them. This article examines their use as tools for protection and devotion.

What are biggest sins in Islam? ›

Some of the major or al-Kaba'ir sins in Islam are as follows:
  • Shirk (reverence due Allah directed toward those other than Allah);
  • Committing murder (taking away someone's life);
  • Theft;
  • Consuming the property of an orphan placed in one's care;
  • Leaving off the five daily prayers (Salah);

Are Muslims allowed to smoke? ›

A tobacco fatwa is a fatwa (Islamic legal pronouncement) that prohibits the usage of tobacco by Muslims. Arab Muslims tend to prohibit smoking (despite Saudi Arabia ranking 23rd in the world for the percentage of its population that smokes) and, in South Asia, smoking tends to be considered lawful but discouraged.

Can you pray with a tattoo in Islam? ›

His prayer and pilgrimage are certainly valid. It has to be remembered that genuine repentance of any sin erases it completely. Although in the case of the tattoo, the effect remains on one's body, the fact that the person concerned has repented means that no further action is required.

Do cats bring angels in Islam? ›

In Islam, cats are taught to be well-cared-for, treasured, appreciated and loved. A cat outside Al-Aqsa Mosque. Some Muslims believe that having a pet cat brings angels into your home.

Why do cats cry at 3am? ›

Why do cats meow at night? Your cat might meow at night because they feel bored, unstimulated, lonely or just want to go outside. If your cat won't stop crying at night even when they have plenty of play time, other causes to consider are thyroid or kidney disease.

Do Muslims believe in omens? ›

In this Hadith, the Prophet gives a clear order that finding bad omen in any sign is unacceptable in Islam. In fact it is forbidden, unless one tries to dispel its effects by placing his trust in God. Next the Prophet speaks about good omen as being the best.

What is Allah's favorite color? ›

According to the observation of Muslim scholars, white is the best colour as it is chosen by Allah for the Prophet PBUH. It is reported that most of the Prophet's clothing were white as observed by his companions.

What is Allah's Favourite name? ›

Ibn Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: The names dearest to Allah are 'Abdullah and 'Abd al-Rahman.

What does Islam say about dogs? ›

Dogs in Islam, as they are in Rabbinic Judaism, are conventionally thought of as ritually impure. This idea taps into a long tradition that considers even the mere sight of a dog during prayer to have the power to nullify a pious Muslim's supplications.

Is vaping halal or haram in Islam? ›

1- Vaping which refers to electronic shisha, electronic cigarettes or shisha pens is haram because the reason for which smoking by traditional means is haram is also applicable in all these cases.

What religion says about tattoos? ›

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have been hostile to the use of tattoos, but many religions, in particular Buddhism and Hinduism, make extensive use of them. This article examines their use as tools for protection and devotion.

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