In this article, we aim to examine the religious ruling and the opinions of prominent scholars regarding tattoos, and for this purpose, we will also provide a brief overview of its history.
The history of tattoos is both long and widespread, with evidence of its practice across various regions such as the Far East, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and other lands, from ancient times to the present. Some even trace the origins of tattooing to prehistoric times. One of the most important pieces of evidence of the ancient practice of tattoos is the prohibition mentioned in the Torah.
An example of a mummified body with mysterious tattoo designs.
Reasons for the Popularity of Tattoos Throughout History
It may be interesting to know the factors that led to the widespread use of tattoos throughout history, as these factors also gave rise to religious rulings and Islamic legal matters.
Initially, the primary function of tattoos was ornamental, but they were also used in medicine and as talismans. Some women, particularly rural and nomadic populations, were drawn to tattoos not only for their decorative purposes but also due to certain popular beliefs regarding their talismanic and medicinal properties. For instance, people believed that tattoos could ward off the evil eye, envy, and some other misfortunes, including death, especially for children. They also thought tattoos could help in the prevention of diseases like joint ailments, headaches, nosebleeds, and even infertility.
Despite religious prohibitions, tattoos remained common in Islamic societies, especially among women, and the practice has continued among Arab-speaking populations throughout history.
What Do Various Religious Authorities Say About the Ruling of Tattoos?
The office of Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani (May God protect him): It is permissible in itself.
The office of Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi (May God protect him): Tattoos are permissible if they do not harm the body or contain immoral images, and they do not affect the validity of ablution (wudu) or bathing (ghusl).
The office of Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani (May God have mercy on him): It is not a good practice, and in some cases, such as when sacred names like the names of God, prophets, or imams are tattooed, it is forbidden.
The office of Ayatollah Khamenei (May God protect him): There are two types of tattoos:
Tattoos where the dye is injected under the skin (permanent tattoo): This does not affect ablution or bathing because it does not block water from reaching the skin.
Tattoos where dye is applied to the surface of the skin (temporary tattoo): If this prevents water from reaching the skin, it must be removed before performing ablution or bathing.
Common Religious Questions About Tattoos
Do Tattoos Affect Ablution, Bathing, and Performing Hajj?
Most religious authorities have stated that if the tattoo is just ink under the skin and does not block water from reaching the skin's surface, ablution, bathing, and prayer are valid. However, if there is a substance on the skin that prevents water from reaching the skin, it must be removed before performing ablution or bathing.
Does Eyebrow Tattooing Affect Ablution or Prayer?
According to all religious authorities, eyebrow tattoos do not pose a problem for ablution and prayer. If the tattoo prevents water from reaching the skin, it should be removed.
Does Eyebrow Tattooing Invalidate Ablution (Wudu)?
The following responses were received from the offices of prominent religious authorities:
The office of Ayatollah Khamenei (May God protect him): If the tattoo prevents water from reaching the area for ablution or bathing, it must be removed, unless the tattoo is under the skin, in which case it is not an issue.
The office of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi (May God protect him): It does not prevent ablution.
The office of Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani (May God have mercy on him): If the tattoo prevents water from reaching the skin for ablution and bathing, it is not permissible.
Does Tattooing in Ramadan Break the Fast?
Tattooing does not invalidate the fast during Ramadan. The invalidators of fasting include eating and drinking, sexual intercourse, self-stimulation, lying about God, the Prophet, or their successors, inhaling thick dust, submerging the entire head in water, remaining in a state of impurity (janabah, menstruation, or post-childbirth bleeding) until dawn, using laxatives, and vomiting.
What Is the Ruling on Tattoos When a Person Cannot Cover Them in Front of Non-Mahram?
If the tattoo is done simply to fill in spaces and resembles normal eyebrows or eyelashes, without appearing as a noticeable decoration to the public, it is not considered ornamentation, and it is not obligatory to cover it in front of non-mahrams.
