Are Tattoos Haram in Islam? A Explanation For You


Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression worldwide, but in Islam, the question arises: Are tattoos haram? This article explores what Islamic teachings say about tattoos, including evidence from the Quran and Hadith, and the opinions of Islamic scholars.


Whether you’re a Muslim considering getting a tattoo or just curious about Islamic perspectives, this comprehensive guide will answer your questions.


📖 What Does “Haram” Mean in Islam?

In Islam, haram means forbidden or unlawful. It refers to actions and practices that are explicitly prohibited in Islamic law (Sharia). Eating pork, consuming alcohol, and stealing are clear examples of haram actions. But where do tattoos fit into this?


🕌 Are Tattoos Haram? The Islamic Ruling

Yes, tattoos are considered haram (forbidden) in Islam according to the majority of Islamic scholars. This ruling is based on authentic Hadiths from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the consensus (ijma) of scholars from all major Islamic schools of thought.


📜 Evidence from Hadith: Tattoos Are Forbidden

One of the most cited Hadiths regarding tattoos is:


“Allah has cursed those who practice tattooing and those who get tattooed, and those who remove their facial hair and those who create a space between their teeth for beauty, changing the creation of Allah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)


This Hadith clearly shows that both the tattoo artist and the person getting tattooed are included in the prohibition. The reason? Changing Allah’s creation for the sake of beauty.


📖 Is There Any Mention of Tattoos in the Quran?

The Quran does not explicitly mention tattoos. However, scholars link tattoos to the verse:


“So set your face toward the religion, inclining to truth, the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah.” (Quran 30:30)


Tattoos are seen as altering the natural form (fitrah) that Allah has given us.


🧠 Why Are Tattoos Haram? The Main Reasons

1️⃣ Changing Allah’s Creation (Taghyeer Khalq Allah)

Islam teaches that altering one’s body for unnecessary beautification is discouraged. Tattoos fall into this category.


2️⃣ Imitation of Non-Muslim Cultures

Some scholars argue that tattoos imitate practices from non-Islamic cultures, which Muslims are advised to avoid (tashabbuh).


3️⃣ Harm to the Body

Tattooing involves needles piercing the skin and injecting ink, which can cause infections, allergic reactions, and other health risks. Islam prohibits harming one’s own body (La darar wa la dirar – no harm and no reciprocating harm).


📝 Are Permanent Tattoos Different from Temporary Ones?

🖋️ Permanent Tattoos:

✅ Ink is injected into the dermis layer of skin and cannot be removed without laser treatment.

✅ Considered haram by consensus.


🖌️ Temporary Tattoos (Henna, Stickers):

✅ Henna and other non-invasive body art that washes off naturally are permissible (halal).

✅ They don’t alter the body permanently or cause harm.


❓ What If You Got a Tattoo Before Becoming Muslim?

Islam teaches that when someone embraces Islam, their past sins are forgiven. Tattoos done before becoming Muslim do not need to be removed unless they carry offensive or inappropriate images.


❓ Can a Muslim Remove a Tattoo?

Yes, removing a tattoo is encouraged if it’s possible and won’t cause harm. Laser removal is permissible if it’s safe and intended to return the body to its natural state.


🤔 Why Do Some Say Tattoos Are Not Haram?

A minority argue that since tattoos don’t harm spirituality, they shouldn’t be haram. However, this view contradicts the majority scholarly consensus and authentic Hadith. Almost all scholars from the four Sunni schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) agree tattoos are haram.


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