Is Getting a Tattoo Permissible? Is It a Sin?
Quick Answer
According to Diyanet, getting a tattoo is not permissible and is considered sinful. Hadiths from the Prophet (peace be upon him) curse both the one who tattoos and the one who is tattooed. The reason: a tattoo is considered an alteration of the body Allah created. However, the prayer of a person who already has a tattoo remains valid (a tattoo sits under the skin, and water still reaches it), sincere repentance is considered sufficient, and there is no obligation to remove it. Temporary designs (henna, stickers) are permissible.
Diyanet's Official Answer
The High Board of Religious Affairs of Diyanet has issued the following ruling on tattoos:
"Getting a tattoo is not permissible and is sinful. This runs contrary to the Islamic principle of preserving the human body in the form Allah created it. However, the prayer of a person who already has a tattoo remains valid; removing the tattoo is not obligatory; sincere repentance is sufficient."
The Hadith Basis
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Allah has cursed those who tattoo and those who are tattooed, those who pluck their eyebrows and those who have it done, and those who file their teeth for beauty, altering the creation of Allah."
— Bukhari, Libas, 84; Muslim, Libas, 119
This hadith refers to three groups as subject to this curse:
- Those who apply tattoos
- Those who have themselves tattooed
- Those who seek to alter Allah's creation
Why It Is Considered Sinful
Three main reasons are given for regarding tattoos as sinful:
1. Altering Allah's Creation
The Quran states:
"[Satan said]: 'I will command them to alter Allah's creation.'" — Surah An-Nisa, verse 119
Respecting the body in the form Allah created it is considered part of one's duty.
2. Physical Harm
Even modern tattoos cause some damage to the skin, trigger an immune response, and carry a risk of allergic reaction. Causing unnecessary harm to the body is forbidden in Islam.
3. Symbolic Content
Tattoos are often:
- sought for image or display (a form of vanity)
- associated with pagan or mystical symbolism
- intended to attract attention from the opposite sex
For Those Who Already Have a Tattoo
If you did not know it was considered sinful before getting the tattoo, or you became Muslim after having one:
Is Prayer Still Valid?
✅ Yes, your prayer is valid.
Reason:
- A tattoo is embedded beneath the skin
- The skin's surface remains open, and water reaches the skin
- Ablution and ritual bathing are considered valid
What Should You Do?
- Repent sincerely (genuine remorse, plus a firm resolve not to repeat it)
- If feasible, consider laser removal (not obligatory)
- Do not get a cover-up tattoo (this would be a new instance of the sin)
- Continue your acts of worship — Allah is forgiving
The Conditions of Repentance
For Allah's forgiveness, three conditions apply:
- Remorse (nadamah): feeling sincere regret for what you have done
- Renunciation (iqla'): firmly deciding not to repeat the same mistake
- Resolve (azm): committing not to do it again
The Supplication of Repentance:
"Astaghfirullah al-'azim alladhi la ilaha illa huwa'l-hayyu'l-qayyumu wa atubu ilayh."
(See: Dua of Repentance)
Are Temporary Designs Permissible?
| Type | Permanent? | Ruling | |------|-----------|--------| | Henna | 1-3 weeks | ✅ Permissible | | Temporary stickers | 1-7 days | ✅ Permissible | | Body paint / eyeliner-style | Washes off | ✅ Permissible | | Permanent tattoo | Lifelong | ❌ Not permissible | | Semi-permanent tattoo | 6-12 months | ⚠️ Debated, best avoided |
Practical Advice
After Repenting
- Cover the areas with a visible tattoo where practical
- Do not get new tattoos
- Turn towards an Islamic way of life
- Focus on supplication and seeking forgiveness (istighfar)
Explaining It to Your Child
- explain that tattoos are forbidden in Islam
- allow temporary alternatives (henna, stickers)
- offer alternatives for self-expression (clothing, halal-appropriate cosmetics)
If Your Spouse Is Involved
- if your spouse wants a tattoo: share the Islamic guidance with them
- if they already have one: encourage them towards repentance
- approach the topic with love and understanding, without coercion
Related Grey-Area Questions
| Topic | Ruling | |-------|--------| | Permanent make-up (eyebrow/lip tinting) | ⚠️ Debated — forbidden in the Hanafi school | | Microblading (eyebrow shaping) | ⚠️ Generally not permissible | | Botox | ⚠️ Permissible for medical reasons; debated for cosmetic use | | Cosmetic surgery | ⚠️ Disliked unless medically necessary | | Dyeing hair | ✅ Permissible (provided the colour itself is not forbidden) | | Applying henna | ✅ A sunnah practice — recommended | | Ear piercing | ✅ Permissible (for women) | | Nose piercing (women) | ✅ Permissible, though not considered a sunnah | | Lip/tongue piercing | ❌ Generally not permissible |
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a tattoo and can't easily remove it — what should I do?
Repent. Allah is forgiving. Physically removing it is not obligatory; your repentance is accepted on its own. Be careful not to get another tattoo. Continue your acts of worship as normal.
I'm required to get a tattoo for professional reasons (e.g., a medical marking)
A genuine necessity is treated differently. If:
- there is a critical medical need (blood type, allergy information)
- it is required for official identification purposes
- there is truly no alternative
then the principle of necessity (darurah) may apply. Consult Diyanet or a local scholar for your specific situation.
Can I treat or assist someone who works as a tattoo artist?
Medical treatment: yes, this is a separate professional obligation. Assisting with the tattooing itself: no, facilitating it is also considered sinful. Laser removal: yes, this is considered a good deed.
Is laser tattoo removal permissible?
Yes, it is entirely permissible. In fact, it is valued as a practical step of repentance. Laser removal is a restorative process, not a harmful one.
Does having a tattoo mean someone cannot enter Paradise?
The Prophet's hadith about being "cursed" is a strong warning, but the door of repentance is always open. Allah is deeply forgiving:
"Say: 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.'" — Surah Az-Zumar, verse 53
A Repentance and Istighfar Module in the Nurlu App
The Nurlu app's repentance and istighfar module includes:
- a daily istighfar counter
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- a spiritual growth tracker
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all free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is getting a tattoo a sin?
Yes, according to Diyanet, both getting and giving a tattoo are sinful. The Prophet cursed both the one who tattoos and the one who is tattooed (Bukhari). The reason given is that a tattoo is considered an alteration of the body Allah created.
I already have a tattoo — is my prayer valid?
Yes, the prayer of a person with a tattoo is valid. Because a tattoo is embedded under the skin, water still reaches the skin's surface, so ablution and ritual bathing are considered valid. There is no need to have the tattoo removed; sincere repentance is sufficient.
If I repent, is my tattoo considered erased?
When you repent, your sin is forgiven, though the tattoo physically remains. Allah is forgiving. The conditions of repentance are: (1) feeling genuine remorse, (2) resolving not to repeat it, (3) removing it physically if reasonably possible (not obligatory, but recommended).
Are henna designs and temporary stickers permissible?
Yes, temporary designs are permissible. Henna, stickers, or paint-based temporary tattoos are considered permissible because they are not permanent (they wash off or fade naturally). They do not permanently alter the body.
What should I do to have a tattoo removed?
Laser tattoo removal is available. It can be costly and time-consuming. Removing it is not religiously obligatory, though it is recommended. If removal would cause significant harm to the body or is prohibitively expensive, there is no obligation to pursue it.
I got a tattoo of a loved one's name and my spouse or family disapproves
This is a social and family matter as much as a religious one. Religiously: the tattoo is already regarded as sinful — repent sincerely. Socially: communicate with your family or spouse, and consider options such as laser removal (note that a cover-up tattoo is not permissible, as it would be a new instance of the same act).