Can I have a tattoo on my arm?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

All forms of tattooing are prohibited in Islam, be it of animate objects, inanimate objects, designs, writings, etc. Our beloved Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has declared prohibition of tattooing by cursing both the one who does tattooing and tattooed, consider the following Hadith:

لَعَنَ اللَّهُ ...... وَالوَاشِمَةَ وَالمُسْتَوْشِمَة

Translation: Allah Ta’ala curses…… the one who does tattooing and the one who is tattooed. [1]

Many prohibitions of Shariah are based on the well-being of human beings. In the prohibition of tattoos too, the well-being and health of human beings are considered.

The harms of tattoos are many and diverse. Tattooing requires breaking the skin barrier which carries many health risks. Many of the pigments that are used in tattoo inks are not meant for skin contact at all, in fact some are meant for printer’s ink or automobile paint. [2]

Many a times the colour inks used for tattooing consist of traces of metals which can lead to various health problems including cancer and infections. Injection of colour additives into the skin comes with its health risks. 2

Allergic reaction to the tattoo pigments is one of the most common problems associated with tattooing. [3]

Infections can also pose a serious threat to health. Psoriasis, dermatitis and other chronic skin conditions have all been associated with tattoos. [4]

Furthermore, keeping the above mentioned in mind, one should discard the thought have having a tattoo.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Fahad Abdul Wahab

Student Darul Iftaa

U.S.A

Checked and Approved by,                                                                                 Mufti Ebrahim Desai                                                                                                                                      

www.Daruliftaa.net