Tattooing has become more or less a rather largely adopted fashion in the world, specially among the Non Muslims. The process of tattooing involves permanent mark or design made on the human skin with pigments inserted through pricks into the skin's top layer. Typically, the tattoo artist uses a hand-held machine that acts much like a sewing machine, with one or more needles piercing the skin repeatedly.
Since tattooing leave permanent marks on one's body, the matter has been debated in all leading religions as it makes changes to the body which is in fact a property of God. Therefore many scholars are of the view that one should abstain from tattooing. The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"—so as to prohibit tattoos, and perhaps even makeup. [1]
Others hold that the prohibition of Leviticus 19:28, regardless of its interpretation, is not binding upon Christians—just as prohibitions like "nor shall there come upon you a garment of cloth made of two kinds of stuff" (Lev. 19:19) are not binding—because it is part of the Jewish ceremonial law, binding only upon the Jewish people. [2]
Others hold that the prohibition of Leviticus 19:28, regardless of its interpretation, is not binding upon Christians—just as prohibitions like "nor shall there come upon you a garment of cloth made of two kinds of stuff" (Lev. 19:19) are not binding—because it is part of the Jewish ceremonial law, binding only upon the Jewish people. [2]
Majority of Muslims all over the world also consider tattooing un Islamic for the same very reasons as the Jews. However, there are some who support tattooing and consider it not unIslamic.
Scholars who claim that tattooing is a sin support their view by pointing to hadiths such as one in Sahih al-Bukhari narrated by Abu Juhayfah that declares "The Prophet cursed the one who does tattoos and the one who has a tattoo done." These scholars generally do not hold the view that non-permanent tattoos such as henna are sinful; nor do they claim that converts to Islam who had tattoos prior to conversion need to get those tattoos removed.I looked around and came up with mostly against tattooing, considering it sinful. I then turned to Mufti Menk, one of the very learned and favourite Muslim scholars of present times and listened to his following video in which he makes a good viewpoint against tattooing. Which also in fact is the viewpoint of most of the Sunni Muslims around the world, like Dr Zakir A Naik and Yousuf Estes.
However, as for Shia Muslims, there viewpoint on tattooing is different:
Shia Ayatollahs Ali al-Sistani and Ali Khamenei believe there are no authoritative Islamic prohibitions on tattoos.[32] The Quran does not mention tattoos or tattooing at all. Grand Ayatollah Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi ruled: "Tattoos are considered Makruh (disliked and discouraged). However, it is not permissible to have Quranic verses, names of Ahlulbayt (a.s), drawings of Imams (a.s), Hadiths, unislamic and inappropriate images or the likes tattooed onto the body. And if the ink was the type that remains above the skin, then it would be considered prohibited. However, if it was of the type to go beneath the skin, it would be considered permissible but Makruh."
Please listen to the views on the subject by Mufti Ismail ibn Musa Menk - a Muslim cleric from Zimbabwe. Head of the country's fatwa department. Menk has been named one of The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan in 2013, 2014 and 2017.:
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 |
For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.
For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.
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3 comments:
Well brought into light, a usually over-looked subject.
Thank you. DO read our other series posts
After converting I was considering getting my tattoos removed
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