Tattoos are very common in today’s world. Many people—especially those new to Islam—wonder if getting a tattoo is allowed.
The Ruling on Tattoos in Islam
According to many Islamic scholars, permanent tattoos are generally considered haram (forbidden). This is based on authentic hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Allah has cursed the one who does tattoos and the one who gets tattooed.” (Bukhari)
Reasons Why Tattoos Are Discouraged
- They permanently change Allah’s creation
- They are often linked to old tribal or rebellious practices
- They can pose health risks or reflect vanity
Are There Exceptions?
However, it’s not all black and white. Some scholars say temporary tattoos or henna are allowed because they don’t alter the body permanently. Similarly, medical tattoos—like those used during cancer treatment—are generally seen as exceptions.
What If a Convert Has Tattoos?
What about people who converted to Islam and already have tattoos? Islam is very forgiving. Converts are not judged for things they did before embracing the religion. What matters most is their intention and moving forward with a clean heart.
The Bigger Picture of Modesty and Cleanliness
You can read more about modesty in Islamic dress codes and how Islam values humility and personal cleanliness. The principle applies to all body modifications, not just tattoos.
While the Quran doesn’t directly mention tattoos, scholars often cite Surah An-Nisa and the hadiths together to form rulings on body changes. The goal is always to preserve the natural form Allah gave us.
Final Thoughts
Islam encourages moderation, not extremism. If someone already has tattoos, they are not shunned. They can still be a good Muslim by focusing on worship, repentance, and self-improvement.
