Tattoos have become increasingly popular in many parts of the world in recent decades. However, in Islam there is some debate around whether tattoos are permissible according to Islamic law. This article will examine the various perspectives on tattoos in Islam and look at the evidence from the Quran and hadiths on this issue.
What Does the Quran Say About Tattoos?
The Quran does not directly address tattoos or provide a definitive ruling on them. However, some scholars point to verses that prohibit changing Allah’s creation:
“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah.” (Quran 30:30)
Based on this, some argue that tattoos involve changing God’s creation of the human body and are thus prohibited in Islam. Others counter that tattoos only change the external appearance and do not fundamentally alter God’s creation.
Perspectives from Hadiths on Tattoos
There are several hadiths (sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) that mention tattoos, providing clearer guidance on the Islamic stance:
“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the one who does tattoos and the one who has a tattoo done.” (Bukhari)
“The Prophet cursed the one who does tattoos, and the one who has them done.” (Muslim)
These and other hadiths indicate tattoos are prohibited (haram) in Islam. The majority of scholars thus view tattooing as forbidden based on the Prophet cursing the practice.
However, some argue the prohibition was due to specific negative practices associated with tattoos at the time, such as pagan rituals or marking slaves and criminals. They believe tattoos are permissible if not done for forbidden purposes.
Majority Opinion is That Tattoos are Haram
The predominant view among Islamic scholars and schools of law is that tattoos are haram (forbidden) in Islam based on the clear deprecation of tattooing in the hadith literature. This is the official position in all major schools of Islamic jurisprudence today.
Key reasons cited for the prohibition include:
- Tattoos involve changing God’s creation which is prohibited in the Quran
- The Prophet cursed both getting tattoos and tattooing others
- Tattoos historically were associated with paganism and criminality
- Tattoos are a form of mutilation of the body
- Tattoos can prevent wudu (ablution before prayer)
Scholars argue that just because tattoos have become socially mainstream today does not make them halal (permissible) in Islam. They must be avoided by devout Muslims.
Minority View Allows Tattoos Conditionally
A minority of contemporary scholars have argued that tattoos may be permissible Islamically if done “tastefully” and not for sinful purposes.
Reasons given by those who allow tattoos with conditions include:
- The hadith prohibitions addressed specific negative practices surrounding tattoos at the time
- Tattoos do not seriously or permanently change the creation of God
- Modern tattoos are often self-expressions or fashion rather than pagan rituals
- Small tattoos do not substantially damage the body or prevent ablution
Proponents argue Islam is flexible on matters not conclusively forbidden in the Quran or Sunnah. They view tattoos as similar to plastic surgery – allowed if not done excessively or inappropriately.
However, this remains a minority position that most Islamic scholars do not accept.
Are Temporary Tattoos Allowed?
There is more flexibility around temporary tattoos that can be easily removed, like henna tattoos. Many scholars allow these, especially for women, since they do not permanently change the body. However, some still prohibit temporary tattoos given the general prohibition on tattooing.
What About Tattoo Removal?
Most scholars encourage tattoo removal for Muslims who got tattoos before becoming more practicing believers. While sinful, repentance through tattoo removal is praiseworthy.
However, some argue tattoo removal may not be required if it is difficult or poses health risks. General repentance may suffice.
Can You Pray With a Tattoo?
According to the majority view, prayers are valid if someone with a tattoo performs proper ablution. However, they still commit a sin by getting a tattoo. It is better to avoid tattoos altogether rather than hoping ablution prevents invalid prayer.
Conclusion
There is a range of views on tattoos in Islam, from clearly prohibited to conditionally allowed. However, the dominant scholarly opinion is that tattoos are haram based on clear hadith prohibitions. At minimum, tattoos should be avoided out of precaution.
While a minority of contemporary scholars argue tattoos may be permissible in some cases, this remains a tentative view requiring more research. The mainstream Islamic stance today continues to forbid tattoos as a change to God’s creation of the human body.