"I can finally get a tattoo," the thought popped in head the day my visit to America was confirmed.
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. Hence, you can never pray.
Let's not get into a debate on how correct or incorrect this belief is but I personally choose not to follow it, and it may come as a surprise but thousands of Pakistanis adorn tattoos on various parts of their bodies that are not visible to the general public. Believe it or not, people will silently judge you for sporting a tattoo and label you as a disbeliever who will forever burn in hell.
However, my reasons for not getting a tattoo in Pakistan are different. First, Pakistani parents tend to throw a fit when they hear about their children getting a tattoo —even if their "child' is 31 years old. Second, I was not certain if I could trust a Pakistani artist to create somethingstunning for me. After all, you are stuck with the tattoo your entire life and contacting a novice tattoo artist was not an option I was comfortable with.
More:Active shooter training in U.S. changed my mind about carrying a gun in Pakistan | Opinion
Two weeks before my departure, the search for the perfect tattoo began. Various suggestions were thrown at me — from a cat to a heart, and from a boat to a dove, people were bursting with ideas that meant something to them. However, the goalwas to find something that was meaningful to me. Google was my best friend for many nights and I came across numerous tattoo ideas untilit hit me one day: I wanted a Phoenix!
According to Greek mythology, the phoenix is a bird associated with the sun and obtains life by rising from its own ashes. The myth states that it was a beautiful rare bird that lived for 500 years before it died in a show of flames and combustion, only to be reborn.The legend of the phoenix resonated with me for several reasons:
a) The bird is dramatic, just like I am.
b) It's a unique creature that was said to be seen rarely.
c) It represents freedom, resilienceandstrength.
Most importantly, it's a symbol of life and the tough times everyone goes through. The problems I faced are similar to those faced by people all over the world, whether it be heartbreak, anxiety or depression. However, I made sure hitting rock bottom never changed my personality or my heart —in fact I came out stronger and became more passionate about changing the world.
On Wednesday, I finally built up the courage to call the Rocksteady Tattoo Company in Melbourne and turned my dreams into reality. My colleagues Caroline Glenn and Emre Kelly from FLORIDA TODAY offered to accompany me while the story of my life was being carved on my body. Fazal Khaliq, a fellow journalist from Pakistan, also came along to catch the act on camera since he has never seen anyone get a tattoo.
My mind was flooded with fear because everyone had warned me about how painful the process is. I imagined being poked by small needles and the ink being sewed into my skin like a thread is sewed into cloth.Tomy surprise, it hardly hurt. All you need to do is avoid thinking about the needle poking you.I diverted my mind and kept humming "It's a small world after all."Hey don't judge, it actually worked for me!
Within 10minutes the outline of the tattoo was completed and the artist started filling in the phoenix design —and that's when it hurt. I was able to bear the pain but a few minutes later my body started to react. I felt lightheaded and could feel my blood pressure dropping. Luckily, the very talented space reporter Emrerushed to my help with a KitKat, while Caroline stroked my hair and encouraged me to push through.
Within the next hour, I was back in my hotel and excitedly sending photos of my tattooed back to my friends and siblings. My sister replied saying, "What the f***, Fatima. You can't pray now."
To those who don't understand why people are obsessed with getting tattoos—especially my brilliant and loving host and FLORIDA TODAY Executive EditorBob Gabordi —here's a quote from the Marvel Daredevil TV show that might help:
"Growing to love something is really simply forgetting slowly what you dislike about it."- James Wesley
Fatima Shaheen Niazi is a journalistin Pakistan and is visiting FLORIDA TODAY as part of an International Center for Journalists program.
