Tattooing - Islamic Perspective, Etymology, and Legal Rulings
Definition and Prohibition
Tattooing, the practice of puncturing the skin to insert pigment, modifying the body’s outward appearance, is expressly forbidden in Islamic teachings. This prohibition is rooted in the traditions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, who instructed his followers to abstain from practices common among the pre-Islamic idolaters of Arabia. Specifically, he forbade the act of pricking the hands of women and rubbing the punctures with substances like wood, indigo, and other colors.
Etymology
The term “tattoo” derives from the Tahitian word “tatau,” meaning to mark or strike. In Arabic, tattooing is referred to as “وشم” (washm). The corresponding Turkish term is “dövme,” adhering closely to its application and cultural context.
Prophetic Traditions (Hadith)
The Islamic prohibition of tattooing is anchored in Hadith literature. One such Hadith found in “Mishkāt al-Masābīh” (a classical Hadith collection) articulates this ban:
<p>“The Prophet Muhammad cursed those who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed.” (Mishkāt al-Masābīh, book xii. ch. i. pt. 1)</p>
Religious and Cultural Context
The prohibition against tattooing is linked to broader Islamic imperatives relating to the preservation of natural beauty and the body as a divine trust. Modifying the body with permanent marks is considered a form of altering Allah’s creation and thus is discouraged.
Legal Rulings (Fiqh)
Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) generally categorizes the act of tattooing as haram (forbidden). The baning of tattooing is drawn from multiple sources of Islamic law:
- Qur’an: While there is no direct reference to tattooing in the Qur’an, the general guidance towards maintaining one’s natural form is emphasized.
- Sunnah: The Hadith literature provides explicit directives against tattooing and is considered sufficient in establishing its prohibition.
- Consensus (Ijma): Islamic scholars (Ulema) broadly agree on the prohibition of this practice.
Further Studies
For those interested in delving deeper into this subject, consider the following seminal works and texts:
- “Islamic Jurisprudence According to the Four Sunni Schools” by Abdel Wahab Khallaf.
- “Hadith: An Introduction” by A.J. Wensinck gives an excellent overview of prophetic traditions.
- “The Reliance of the Traveller” (Umdat al-Salik) by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri, a comprehensive manual on Islamic law, offers insights into various legal rulings including tattooing.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Understanding the prohibition of tattooing within Islam requires a comprehension of the religious and cultural contexts that underscore this ruling. The ban is premised on safeguarding natural human dignity and avoiding practices associated with pre-Islamic idolatrous customs. Tattooing is deemed forbidden due to its permanent alteration of the body, which is considered to belong to Allah.
By being aware of these traditions and the underlying reasons, Muslims are better equipped to abide by Islamic teachings, acknowledging the discipline and the moral framework that governs their actions.
