Do you have tattoos on your body and find yourself uncertain about your prayers? Let us put your mind at ease: having a tattoo on your body does not hinder your ability to pray! Feel assured that you can indeed engage in prayer even if you have tattoos.
Here are several reasons why you can pray while still having tattoos. But before delving into the reasons, let’s take a quick look at the rule of tattoos in Islam.
Key Takeaways
| 📌 Tattoos are generally prohibited in Islam, but having them doesn’t affect the validity of prayers. |
| 📌 Repentance is crucial for seeking forgiveness, and Allah’s mercy is infinite for those who sincerely repent and commit to avoiding further tattoos. |
Tattoo Ruling In Islam
According to fiqh jurists, tattoos are generally regarded as prohibited. The particular style of tattoo known as “al-wasymu” is referenced. This form of artistic expression involving tattooing is also indirectly mentioned in a hadith attributed to the prophet ﷺ, as follows:
عَنْ أَبِي جُحَيْفَة قَالَ: لَعَنَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الوَاشِمَةَ وَالمُسْتَوْشِمَةَ، وَآكِلَ الرِّبَا وَمُوكِلَهُ، وَنَهَى عَنْ ثَمَنِ الكَلْبِ، وَكَسْبِ البَغِيِّ، وَلَعَنَ المُصَوِّرِينَ
Narrated Abu Juhaifa:
The Prophet (ﷺ) cursed the lady who practices tattooing and the one who gets herself tattooed, one who eats (takes) Riba’ (usury), and the one who gives it. And he prohibited taking the price of a dog, and the money earned by prostitution and cursed the makers of pictures.
“Wasym” involves puncturing the skin with a needle until it bleeds, followed by the introduction of substances like kohl to create a distinct color on the skin. This practice is one of the religious prohibitions and is considered a major sin, as those who engage in it are considered cursed.
The term “curse” signifies a supplication to be distanced from the blessings of Allah Azza wa Jalla. Scholars have elaborated that “wasym” involves altering the natural creation of Allah Azza wa Jalla.
In contemporary times, these “wasym” practices are commonly identified as permanent tattoos. If the inquiry pertains to this type of tattooing, the ruling is clear, as permanent tattoos fall under the category of “wasym.”
Can You Pray With A Tattoo?
Individuals with tattoos can indeed engage in prayer. The prayers offered by tattooed individuals remain valid and are accepted by Allah.
However, certain conditions need to be fulfilled, particularly concerning the repentance of the individual in question. Allah continues to accept the prayers of those with tattoos, provided they undertake repentance. In this context, they should genuinely express remorse and commit to abstaining from further tattooing.
Allah’s capacity to forgive the transgressions of His servants towards Him is remarkably facile, as long as these transgressions do not involve fellow humans. Should the transgression be directed at others, then seeking forgiveness (tawbah) from the affected person is essential, followed by supplicating to Allah for absolution.
قُلْ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
Say, ˹O Prophet, that Allah says,˺ “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
How to Repent
In Islam, repentance is known as “Tawbah“. Here’s a guideline you can follow:
- Feel Remorse: Sincerely regret the sin.
- Stop the Sin: Immediately cease the sinful act.
- Intend Not to Return: Resolve firmly not to commit the sin again.
- Seek Forgiveness: Ask Allah for forgiveness through prayer and supplication.
- Rectify: If the sin involves wronging others, try to rectify it by apologizing or giving back rights/property.
Additionally, performing good deeds, seeking knowledge, and praying regularly can strengthen faith and help maintain sincerity in repentance.
Final Thought
In Islam, tattoos are generally considered prohibited according to fiqh jurists. The specific style of tattoo known as “al-wasymu” is highlighted, involving the alteration of skin with substances like kohl. However, the practice of tattooing is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, leading to diverse interpretations among scholars.
The good news is that the act of praying is unaffected by tattoos. Whether permanent or temporary, your prayers are valid and accepted by Allah SWT.
Repentance plays a pivotal role: sincere remorse and a commitment to abstain from further tattooing are essential. Allah’s mercy is boundless, and seeking forgiveness with true repentance is always encouraged.
Allahu A’lam (Allah knows best)
FAQs
What does the Quran say about tattoos?
The Quran does not explicitly mention tattoos but scholars consider tattoos to be impermissible based on the principle of altering the natural creation of Allah. This principle is derived from verses in the Quran that emphasize the perfection of Allah’s creation and the importance of not altering it.
لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ فِىٓ أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍۢ
Indeed, We created humans in the best form.
Moreover, the act of tattooing the body entails a degree of pain, particularly when considering the challenges of its removal. Additionally, piercing, including tongue piercing, can also involve discomfort and potential health risks. Consequently, these practices are categorized as potentially harmful to the body, aligning with the prohibitions set by Allah.
Is your prayer accepted if you have a tattoo?
People with tattoos can pray, and their prayers are accepted by Allah. However, repentance is necessary. Allah accepts prayers from those with tattoos if they sincerely repent and commit to avoiding further tattooing.
Is it haram to pray with a temporary tattoo?
Temporary tattoos are those which are not permanent and can be erased at any point in time. Some scholars view temporary tattoos as permissible in Islam, as they do not cause any harm to the body and are not considered a permanent adornment that alters the creation of Allah.
Additionally, certain conditions need to be met, such as not containing any forbidden elements, such as paintings of animate creatures, showing genitalia, the tattoo not blocking wudhu, and tasayabbuh (imitating non-believers).
Is it halal to get a tattoo to cover a scar?
The tattoo is haram (forbidden). You can’t do forbidden things just to cover a scar. You can cover the scar with a temporary tattoo as long as the conditions above are met.
Will Allah forgive me for having tattoos?
Allah’s forgiveness is vast and encompassing, and He is described as the Most Merciful and Most Forgiving in Islamic teachings. If you have made mistakes, such as getting tattoos, sincere repentance is the key to seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
In Islam, repentance involves acknowledging the mistake, feeling genuine remorse, and making a firm commitment to refrain from repeating the action. Allah’s forgiveness is accessible to those who sincerely repent and seek His mercy. The Quran emphasizes Allah’s willingness to forgive:
I spend three enriching years at Darul Ulum Islamic Boarding School. Under the guidance of knowledgeable scholars, I delved into various aspects of Islamic studies.
From clarifying dietary guidelines and financial transactions to addressing ethical dilemmas, my content will be tailored to serve as a reliable resource for Muslims striving to align their lives with Islamic principles.
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