Marcus was sitting in the mosque’s new Muslim class when he nervously asked the question that had been eating at him for weeks: “So… I accepted Islam last month. But I have three tattoos from before. Am I… am I still Muslim? Do I need to get them removed somehow?”
The room went silent. Everyone turned to look at him. And Marcus felt his stomach drop, wondering if he’d just confessed to some unforgivable sin.
The imam smiled gently and said something that shocked him: “Brother, everything you did before your shahada is forgiven. Completely erased. Those tattoos don’t affect your Islam.”
But then he added: “However, now that you’re Muslim, you shouldn’t get any new ones.”
Marcus was confused. If tattoos are problematic, why doesn’t he need to remove the old ones? And why can’t he get new ones now?
Maybe you’re asking the same questions. You’re considering converting to Islam but worried about your tattoos. Or you’re already Muslim and wondering if that sleeve you got in college means you’re sinning every day. Perhaps you’re a born Muslim curious about getting your first tattoo and want to know the Islamic ruling.
Here’s what I discovered researching Islamic law from Quran, authentic hadiths, and classical scholars: tattoos are indeed prohibited in Islam—but not for the superficial reasons you might think. And if you already have tattoos from before Islam, you’re not doomed. There’s clear guidance for your situation.
This article breaks down the Islamic ruling on tattoos, why they’re forbidden, what the difference is between permanent and temporary tattoos, and what to do if you already have them.
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What You’ll Learn:
- The clear Islamic ruling on permanent tattoos
- Why scholars say tattoos are forbidden
- The difference between permanent tattoos and henna
- What converts and Muslims with existing tattoos should do
- Medical tattoos and exceptions to the ruling
Sources Referenced:
- Hadith from Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim on tattoos
- Quran 4:119 on altering Allah’s (SWT) creation
- Classical scholars: Ibn Kathir (RH), Al-Nawawi (RH), Al-Qurtubi (RH)
- Contemporary scholarly consensus on the issue
Read Time: 11 minutes
The Clear Islamic Ruling on Tattoos
Look, there’s no sugarcoating this: permanent tattoos are haram (forbidden) in Islam according to the overwhelming consensus of Islamic scholars for 1,400+ years.
This isn’t a “maybe” or “scholars differ” situation. It’s as close to unanimous as you get in Islamic jurisprudence.
The evidence comes directly from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). In one of the most explicit hadiths on this topic, Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA) reported: “Allah has cursed the women who do tattoos and those for whom tattoos are done, those who pluck their eyebrows and those who file their teeth for the purpose of beautification and alter the creation of Allah.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 77, Hadith 163; Sahih Muslim, Book 37, Hadith 132)
Read that again. The Prophet (ﷺ) didn’t just say tattoos are “disliked” or “discouraged.” He used the word “cursed”—one of the strongest terms of prohibition in Islamic terminology.
And notice who’s cursed: both the person who gives tattoos and the person who receives them. You can’t escape by saying “I didn’t tattoo myself, someone else did it.” Both parties are responsible.
Now, this hadith specifically mentions women, but scholars agree the ruling applies to men as well. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (RH), the great hadith commentator, explained that the prohibition for men is even more emphasized because men generally have less allowance for beautification than women in Islamic law.
So when people ask, “Are tattoos haram in Islam?”—the answer from traditional Islamic scholarship is a definitive yes.
But why? What’s the big deal about some ink under your skin?
Why Islam Forbids Permanent Tattoos
Here’s the thing: Islam doesn’t prohibit things randomly. There’s always wisdom, even if you don’t immediately see it.
Reason #1: It’s Altering Allah’s (SWT) Creation
The hadith itself gives the primary reason: tattoos alter the creation of Allah (SWT). And this connects to a Quranic verse about Shaitan’s (Satan’s) goal.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, quoting what Shaitan said:
“I will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires; I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and to deface the (fair) nature created by Allah.” (Quran 4:119)
وَلَأُضِلَّنَّهُمۡ وَلَأُمَنِّیَنَّهُمۡ وَلَـَٔامُرَنَّهُمۡ فَلَیُبَتِّكُنَّ ءَاذَانَ ٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمِ وَلَـَٔامُرَنَّهُمۡ فَلَیُغَیِّرُنَّ خَلۡقَ ٱللَّهِۚ وَمَن یَتَّخِذِ ٱلشَّیۡطَـٰنَ وَلِیࣰّا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ خَسِرَ خُسۡرَانࣰا مُّبِینࣰا
And I will mislead them, and I will arouse in them [sinful] desires, and I will command them so they will slit the ears of cattle, and I will command them so they will change the creation of Allah.” And whoever takes Satan as an ally instead of Allah has certainly sustained a clear loss.
[4:119]
Part of Shaitan’s strategy is to make humans change Allah’s (SWT) creation—to make you dissatisfied with how your Creator made you. And permanent tattoos fall directly into this category.
Allah (SWT) created your skin pure and unblemished. When you permanently inject ink into it, you’re saying: “What Allah gave me isn’t good enough. I need to ‘improve’ it.” That’s the core issue.
Ibn Kathir (RH) explained in his tafsir that this verse establishes a fundamental Islamic principle: respecting the natural form Allah (SWT) gave you. Anything that permanently alters your body for non-medical reasons goes against this principle.
Reason #2: It Involves Unnecessary Harm
Getting tattooed involves piercing the skin repeatedly with needles until it bleeds, then injecting foreign substances into your body. That’s trauma to your skin and potential health risks—infections, allergic reactions, scarring, complications.
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 13, Hadith 2340, authenticated as hasan)
Scholars apply this principle broadly: you shouldn’t deliberately harm your body without valid medical necessity. And getting a tattoo for aesthetic reasons doesn’t qualify as medical necessity.
Reason #3: It’s Permanent and Can’t Be Easily Undone
Unlike makeup or henna that washes off, tattoos are permanent. You’re making a lifelong decision about your appearance, often based on temporary feelings or trends.
How many people regret their tattoos later? Studies show over 25% of people with tattoos regret at least one of them. Islam protects you from making permanent changes you might regret.
Al-Qurtubi (RH) explained that temporary adornment (like kohl for women, or henna) is permissible specifically because it’s not permanent. It doesn’t fundamentally alter what Allah (SWT) created—you can wash it off and return to your natural state.
Reason #4: It Can Affect Ritual Purity
Some scholars mention another practical issue: tattoo ink creates a barrier on the skin. For wudu (ablution) to be valid, water must reach the skin. While most contemporary scholars say tattoos don’t invalidate wudu since the ink is under the skin, some classical scholars were concerned about this.
The point is: why create even potential complications with your worship?
The Difference: Permanent vs. Temporary “Tattoos”
Now here’s where people get confused. What about henna? What about temporary tattoos that wash off?
Most scholars distinguish clearly between permanent and temporary.
Permanent tattoos (HARAM):
- Needles pierce the skin
- Ink is injected under the skin
- The mark is permanent and can’t be easily removed
- This is what the Prophet (ﷺ) cursed in the hadith
Temporary designs (GENERALLY PERMISSIBLE):
- Henna (mehndi) applied to skin surface
- Temporary tattoos that stick to skin or use washable ink
- Face painting
- These wash off naturally and don’t pierce the skin
The Prophet (ﷺ) never prohibited henna. In fact, women among the Companions (RA) used henna regularly for beautification, especially on hands and feet. The key difference: it doesn’t penetrate the skin permanently.
So if you want to decorate your body temporarily for a wedding, Eid, or just because—henna and temporary designs are generally fine. Just make sure they don’t depict anything haram (like obscene images, crosses, or other religious symbols from other faiths).
But permanent tattoos that inject ink under your skin? That’s what the prohibition covers.
What If You Already Have Tattoos?
Alright, so we’ve established tattoos are haram. But what if you already have them?
This is where Islam’s mercy shines through.
If you converted to Islam with existing tattoos:
You’re completely fine. When you took your shahada, Allah (SWT) erased every single sin from your past. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Islam wipes out whatever came before it.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 192)
That tattoo you got at 18 during a drunken night? Forgiven. That sleeve you spent thousands on? Forgiven. The regrettable ex’s name on your arm? Forgiven.
You don’t need to remove them. You don’t need to feel guilty about them. They’re part of your past, and your past is gone.
What matters now is that you don’t get any new tattoos. Going forward, you follow Islamic guidance. But what you did before Islam isn’t held against you.
A brother who converted told me he was covered in tattoos—full sleeves, chest pieces, back art. He was terrified he couldn’t be a “real Muslim” with all that ink. An imam told him: “Brother, Allah (SWT) doesn’t care about the ink on your skin. He cares about the faith in your heart. Keep that pure, and you’re fine.”
If you got tattoos before you knew they were haram (as a born Muslim):
Make tawbah (repentance) sincerely. Regret what you did, commit to never getting another one, and ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness.
You don’t need to remove existing tattoos. Removal is painful, expensive, often leaves scars, and isn’t obligatory. The sin was in getting them, not in having them on your body now.
Some Muslims do choose to remove tattoos as part of their spiritual journey, and that’s beautiful. But it’s not required.
What is required is that you don’t add more.
If you’re actively getting tattoos knowing they’re haram:
Stop. Immediately. This is a major sin you’re consciously committing.
Make tawbah, commit to stopping, and don’t book that next appointment. Every additional tattoo you get while knowing it’s prohibited is a deliberate act of disobedience to Allah (SWT).
The door of repentance is open:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'” (Quran 39:53)
۞ قُلۡ یَـٰعِبَادِیَ ٱلَّذِینَ أَسۡرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰۤ أَنفُسِهِمۡ لَا تَقۡنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ یَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِیعًاۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِیمُ
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
[39:53]
But genuine repentance means you actually stop doing the sin.
What About Medical or Cosmetic Tattoos?
So we’ve covered decorative tattoos. But what about medical or reconstructive tattooing?
Scholars generally allow exceptions for genuine medical necessity:
Medically necessary tattoos (PERMISSIBLE):
- Radiation markers for cancer treatment
- Medical ID tattoos for severe allergies or conditions
- Reconstructive tattooing after surgery or injury (like nipple tattooing after mastectomy)
- Permanent makeup for medical disfigurement
The principle in Islamic law is that necessity makes exceptions. If a tattoo is genuinely medically necessary or reconstructive after trauma, most scholars permit it.
Cosmetic tattoos for beautification (STILL HARAM):
- Permanent makeup (eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner) just for beauty
- Microblading
- “Beauty marks”
- Any cosmetic tattooing that’s purely for aesthetics
Even though these might seem less “serious” than full tattoos, they’re still permanent alterations of Allah’s (SWT) creation for beautification. The prohibition still applies.
Some contemporary scholars have debated whether microblading (semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing) falls under the prohibition since it fades over time. The safer opinion followed by most scholars is to avoid it—it’s still penetrating the skin with pigment, just like traditional tattoos.
If you need to fill in eyebrows, use makeup. It’s removable, doesn’t alter your skin, and accomplishes the same goal without the haram method.
Common Arguments (and Why They Don’t Hold Up)
People try to justify tattoos in various ways. Let’s address the common arguments honestly.
“But tattoos are just art and self-expression!”
Self-expression is fine—through clothing, jewelry, hairstyles, makeup. Islam allows plenty of halal ways to express yourself. But permanently altering the body Allah (SWT) gave you crosses a line He drew.
You wouldn’t vandalize a beautiful building with spray paint and call it “self-expression.” Your body is even more sacred—it’s Allah’s (SWT) creation and a trust (amanah) given to you to care for.
“The Prophet (ﷺ) only cursed women who get tattoos, not men.”
Scholars addressed this centuries ago. The hadith mentions women specifically because they were the primary ones getting tattoos in that culture. But the reasoning applies equally or more so to men.
If it’s haram for women to alter Allah’s (SWT) creation for beautification, it’s definitely haram for men—Islamic law generally allows women more latitude in beautification than men.
“Times have changed. This ruling is outdated.”
The Quran and authentic Sunnah don’t become “outdated.” What Allah (SWT) prohibited 1,400 years ago is still prohibited today. This is fundamental to being Muslim—you don’t pick and choose which rules to follow based on cultural trends.
Yes, Islamic law has principles of ijtihad (scholarly reasoning) for new issues. But tattoos aren’t new. The Prophet (ﷺ) directly addressed them. There’s no room for reinterpretation here.
“My tattoo has religious meaning—Arabic calligraphy of Quranic verses.”
This actually makes it worse, not better. Putting Quranic verses on your body means those sacred words are with you in the bathroom, during intimacy, when you’re in states of impurity. That’s disrespectful to Allah’s (SWT) words.
Plus, it’s still a permanent alteration of your body, which is the core issue.
“I’ll just cover it up, so no one sees it.”
Whether people see it or not is irrelevant. Allah (SWT) sees it. The sin isn’t in displaying tattoos publicly—it’s in getting them in the first place.
Covering tattoos with clothing is good for modesty purposes, but it doesn’t change the fact that getting them was haram.
Practical Guidance for Muslims
So what should you actually do?
If you’re considering getting a tattoo:
Don’t. It’s that simple. Find halal alternatives for self-expression: henna, temporary tattoos, jewelry, unique clothing styles, or just appreciating the natural beauty Allah (SWT) gave you.
If you’re feeling pressure from friends or cultural trends, remember: pleasing Allah (SWT) matters infinitely more than fitting in with people who won’t even matter in your life ten years from now.
If you already have tattoos:
Make sincere tawbah if you got them while knowing they were haram. Don’t beat yourself up endlessly—Allah’s (SWT) mercy is vast. Just commit to not getting more.
You don’t need to hide them in shame or isolate from the Muslim community. Plenty of converts have tattoos. Plenty of born Muslims made mistakes before they knew better. Focus on your current relationship with Allah (SWT), not past errors.
If you choose to remove them for your own spiritual satisfaction, that’s between you and Allah (SWT). But don’t let anyone pressure you that it’s obligatory.
If you’re a convert worried about tattoos:
Stop stressing. Allah (SWT) wiped your slate clean when you became Muslim. Those tattoos don’t affect your Islam, your prayers, or your standing with Allah (SWT).
Some Muslims might judge you—ignore them. They don’t know your journey. Allah (SWT) knows, and He’s already forgiven you.
Just don’t get new ones now that you know the ruling.
If you’re asked to tattoo someone:
If you’re a tattoo artist, this is a serious issue. You’re actively facilitating haram for others, and the hadith curses both the one who tattoos and the one being tattooed.
Consider transitioning to a different profession that doesn’t involve you in sin. If that’s impossible immediately, at least refuse Muslim clients who come to you knowing it’s haram.
Why This Ruling Protects You
Here’s the beautiful part: every Islamic prohibition protects you from harm.
Tattoos might seem harmless, but consider:
Physical harm: Infections, allergic reactions, scarring, regret, expensive removal processes, potential links to certain health conditions.
Spiritual harm: Disobeying Allah’s (SWT) direct command, following Shaitan’s path of altering creation, potentially developing pride or vanity around your appearance.
Social harm: In many Muslim communities, visible tattoos can affect marriage prospects, job opportunities in Islamic institutions, and how you’re perceived as a representative of Islam.
Psychological harm: Regret is real. That meaningful quote at 20 might feel cringe at 40. That relationship tattoo might haunt you after divorce. That trendy design might look dated in a decade.
Islam saves you from all of this by drawing a clear line: don’t permanently alter your body for aesthetics.
A sister told me she desperately wanted a tattoo in college—all her friends had them. She resented that Islam said no. Years later, after watching friends spend thousands removing regretted tattoos, dealing with infections, or hiding “mistakes” from new spouses—she thanked Allah (SWT) for protecting her from herself.
That’s what Islamic boundaries do. They’re not restrictions. They’re protection.
Your Next Steps
If you don’t have tattoos:
Alhamdulillah. Keep it that way. Don’t let cultural pressure or temporary desires push you into something permanently haram.
If you have tattoos from before Islam:
Move forward with confidence. Your past is forgiven. Focus on living Islamically now.
If you’re struggling with this ruling:
Make dua asking Allah (SWT) to help you accept His wisdom. Study why He prohibits things—it’s always for your benefit.
If you’re considering removing tattoos:
Consult medical professionals about the process, costs, and risks. Make the decision between you and Allah (SWT), not based on others’ pressure.
And remember: whether you have tattoos or not doesn’t define your value as a Muslim. Your iman, your character, your deeds, your relationship with Allah (SWT)—that’s what matters.
FAQ Section
If I got a tattoo before I knew it was haram, is it a sin?
If you genuinely didn’t know it was prohibited, there’s no sin. Allah (SWT) doesn’t hold you accountable for what you didn’t know. Just make tawbah for any sin that might be on you, and don’t get more now that you know.
Do I have to remove my tattoos to be a “good Muslim”?
No. Removal is not obligatory. The sin was in getting them, not in having them on your body. If you want to remove them for your own spiritual reasons, that’s your choice—but it’s not required by Islamic law.
Can I get a tattoo of Quranic verses or Islamic calligraphy?
No—this is still haram and arguably worse because you’re putting sacred text on your body, which will be with you in impure states (bathroom, intimacy, etc.). This is disrespectful to Allah’s (SWT) words.
What about henna or temporary tattoos?
These are generally permissible since they don’t permanently alter your skin. Henna was used by women during the Prophet’s (ﷺ) time. Just make sure the designs aren’t haram (no obscene images, crosses, etc.).
Are tattoos a major sin or minor sin?
Most scholars classify permanent tattoos as a major sin because the Prophet (ﷺ) used the word “cursed.” However, it’s not shirk (associating partners with Allah (SWT))—the gravest sin. Make sincere tawbah and Allah (SWT) can forgive.
What about medical tattoos for cancer treatment?
These are generally permitted by scholars as medical necessity. The prohibition is about altering Allah’s (SWT) creation for beautification, not medical treatment.
Can converts with full body tattoos lead prayers or give khutbahs?
Absolutely. Your tattoos don’t affect your ability to practice Islam or serve the community. Many knowledgeable converts have tattoos from before Islam. What matters is your knowledge, character, and current practice.
Is tattoo removal obligatory for Muslims?
No. It’s not required. If you have the means and want to remove them for your own spiritual growth, that’s praiseworthy but not obligatory. Don’t let anyone pressure you that it’s fard (obligatory).
Conclusion
Remember Marcus from the beginning—the new Muslim terrified that his tattoos made him unacceptable to Allah (SWT)?
After that class, he learned something beautiful: Allah (SWT) doesn’t judge you by the ink on your skin. He judges you by the faith in your heart.
Marcus’s tattoos were part of his pre-Islam life. That life is gone, erased, forgiven completely. What matters now is the Muslim he’s becoming—the prayers he’s learning, the Quran he’s studying, the character he’s building.
He still has those three tattoos. And he’ll probably have them for life—removal is expensive and painful. But they don’t define his Islam. They’re just marks from a past version of himself that no longer exists.
If you’re in Marcus’s position—whether you converted with tattoos or got them as a Muslim before you knew better—hear this clearly: you’re not a “lesser Muslim” because of them. You’re not disqualified from Paradise. You’re not spiritually damaged beyond repair.
Make tawbah. Don’t get more. And move forward with confidence that Allah’s (SWT) mercy covers your past.
And if you don’t have tattoos yet—keep it that way. Honor the body Allah (SWT) gave you. Express yourself through halal means. And trust that His boundaries protect you from harm you might not see yet.
“And whatever the Messenger has given you—take; and what he has forbidden you—refrain from.” (Quran 59:7)
مَّاۤ أَفَاۤءَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ مِنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ فَلِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِی ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ وَٱلۡیَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلۡمَسَـٰكِینِ وَٱبۡنِ ٱلسَّبِیلِ كَیۡ لَا یَكُونَ دُولَةَۢ بَیۡنَ ٱلۡأَغۡنِیَاۤءِ مِنكُمۡۚ وَمَاۤ ءَاتَىٰكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَىٰكُمۡ عَنۡهُ فَٱنتَهُوا۟ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِیدُ ٱلۡعِقَابِ
And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns – it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler – so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
[59:7]
The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade permanent tattoos. That’s enough for a believer.
What’s been your struggle with this ruling? If you’re a convert with tattoos, how did you navigate this issue? Share your experience below—your story might help someone else who’s struggling with the same question.
May Allah (SWT) grant us knowledge of what’s halal and haram, protect us from altering His perfect creation, and forgive us for past mistakes. May He make us content with what He gave us and guide us to honor our bodies as the trust they are. Ameen.
This article is for educational purposes. For specific questions about your tattoo situation or medical tattoos, consult qualified scholars at your local mosque or through reputable Islamic fatwa services.
