Tattoos are Haram

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah Most Merciful Most Kind

Short Answer

Yes, tattoos are Haram. This prohibition has been mentioned in Sahih Hadith. It is sinful for the one producing the tattoo and the one having it done.   

Explanation

عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ: لَعَنَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الوَاصِلَةَ وَالمُسْتَوْصِلَةَ، وَالوَاشِمَةَ وَالمُسْتَوْشِمَةَ

Ibn Umar (May Allah Most High be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ  cursed the one who attaches (human) hair and the one who requests the (human) hair to be attached. Also the one who tattoos and the one who has the tattoo done. (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5947).

The Sahih Hadith above is one of several narrations asserting that tattoos are Haram. Unfortunately, they have become a widespread phenomenon in many parts of the world. Therefore, it is very important to inform Muslims of this prohibition. Otherwise they will fall into this sin without knowing.

Contrary to the misconception many imagine, sinning without knowledge is still a sin. Had it been excused due to ignorance, as they falsely believe, then Muslims would not be obliged to learn Halal and Haram. As learning would make sin more likely. It is an absurd concept they hold on to.  

Hadith Commentary

الْمَرْأَةُ الَّتِي تَشِمُ، فِي النِّهَايَةِ: الْوَشْمُ أَنْ يُغْرَزَ الْجِلْدُ بِإِبْرَةٍ، ثُمَّ يُحْشَى بِكُحْلٍ أَوْ نِيلٍ فَيَزْرَقُّ أَوْ يَخْضَرُّ (وَالْمُسْتَوْشِمَةَ) : أَيِ: الَّتِي يُفْعَلُ ذَلِكَ بِهَا: وَإِنَّمَا نُهِيَ عَنْهُ لِأَنَّهُ مِنْ فِعْلِ الْفُسَّاقِ وَالْجُهَّالِ، وَلِأَنَّهُ تَغْيِيرُ خَلْقِ اللَّهِ. (مرقاة المفاتيح)

Meaning: the woman who tattoos. He said in al-Nihaayah: Al-Washm is when the skin is penetrated with a needle, then filled with Kohl or Neel. Thus, it turns blue or green. Al-Mustowshimah is the one upon whom it is done. It is forbidden because it is the way of the immoral and ignorant. Also, because it is changing the creation of Allah (Most High). (Imam Ali al-Qari 1014H, Mirqaat al-Mafateeh)

In the Nass above, Imam Ali al-Qari describes Washm. It is clearly referring to tattooing. Therefore, the Hadith is clear proof that tattoos are Haram. He further links it to other sins in the Shariah. He describes it as following the way of sinners and ignorant people. This certainly aligns with the reality we experience. It is not the practice of the righteous and upright to tattoo.

He also explains that it is a form of changing the creation of Allah (Most High). As Muslims we recognise the beauty of nature and prefer that which is natural and pure. Therefore, a movement away from that can be prohibited. He also explained that the prohibition is upon the one producing the tattoo and the one having it done.

فَإِن طلبت فعل ذَلِك فَهِيَ مستوشمة وَهُوَ حرَام على الْفَاعِل وَالْمَفْعُول بهَا باختيارها. (عمدة القاري شرح صحيح البخاري)

If she asks for it (a tattoo), then she is al-Mustowshimah. And it is forbidden for the doer and the recipient by choice. (Imam Badr al-Deen al-Ayni 855H, Umdatu al-Qari)

New Muslims

Being tattooed is common in the west in our time. Which is why some people who are considering becoming Muslim have questions regarding their tattoos. Firstly, it is important to understand that becoming Muslim eradicates previous sins. Therefore, upon becoming Muslim there will be no sin for previous tattoos.

Secondly, it is not correct to delay embracing Islam once a person has recognised the truth of it. Thus, a person should not wait until the tattoos have been removed before becoming Muslim. Having tattoos is not a barrier to becoming Muslim.

Conclusion

Tattoos are Haram. This prohibition is explicitly mentioned in Hadith. Not being aware of the prohibition is no excuse. A person will still be sinful, since it is an obligation to learn and be aware of the prohibition of Allah Most High.

However, having a tattoo should not be a barrier for someone who wants to become Muslim. Rather he or she should embrace Islam immediately when they realise the truth of it. Becoming Muslim eradicates all previous sins, by the grace of Allah Most High.   

And Allah Most High Knows Best.

–Answered by Shaykh Noorud-deen Rashid (24.07.2024)