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The prohibition of tattoos in Islam is derived from various Islamic teachings, including Quranic verses and the sayings and practices of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
While opinions may vary among Islamic scholars, and some may allow certain exceptions, the general prohibition is based on several key principles:
1. Changing Allah's Creation:
Islam emphasizes the sanctity of Allah's creation. Altering the natural state of the body, such as by tattooing, is considered a violation of this principle. The Quran mentions the devil's promise to mislead people into changing Allah's creation (Surah An-Nisa 4:119), and some scholars use this as a basis for the prohibition.
2. Hadith Prohibitions:
There are hadiths (sayings of Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him) that explicitly discourage or prohibit tattooing. For example, there is a hadith in which the Prophet cursed those who get tattoos and those who do the tattooing.
3. Imitating Non-Muslim Practices:
Islam encourages distinctiveness and discourages Muslims from imitating practices that are specifically associated with non-Muslim cultures or subcultures. In some societies, tattoos have cultural or religious meanings that may conflict with Islamic teachings.
4. Preservation of Natural State:
Islam encourages believers to preserve their bodies in their natural state. Tattooing involves inserting ink or pigment into the skin, which is seen by some scholars as an unnecessary alteration of the body.
5. Potential Health Risks:
Some scholars argue against tattoos due to potential health risks associated with the procedure. Islam places a high value on the preservation of one's health, and any activity that poses unnecessary risks may be discouraged.
6. Modesty and Adornment:
Islam encourages modesty and moderation in personal adornment. Some scholars argue that tattoos, especially those with inappropriate or explicit content, may contradict the Islamic principles of modesty.
In cases where a person has already gotten a tattoo before embracing Islam or without knowledge of its prohibition, the emphasis is on sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah. Allah is Merciful and Forgiving, and repentance is a means of seeking His forgiveness and guidance.