Tattoos & Religious Symbols

Posted on June 19, 2006
Filed Under General Thoughts |

I’ve always had a fascination with tattoos since I’m a big appreciater of art and yet I don’t want to get one. Tattoos are regarded as sinful in Islam. That’s the main reason I won’t get one until I’m 6 feet under. I’m doing it out of respect for the teachings of my religion. I must admit though, that I don’t get the reason behind tattoos being haram. I’ve never quite understood it. Oh ya and did I mention that I’m not going to get one also because my parents will turn the house upside-down and kick my ass too? Well, yes there’s your reason number 2 folks. In Christianity tattoos are also considered sinful. I’m not sure about Judaism though. However, if there’s anything I’m really really confused about when it comes to tattoos, then it’s the phenomenon of people getting ones of religious symbols. Why on earth would Christians tattoo a Cross on themselves when they know it’s against Christianity?! Weird huh? The same goes with some Jews and the Star of David. Maybe it’s individualized religion or maybe they’re not Christians and they’re just simply being anti-Christian.

I’ve never seen a Muslim with a tattoo of a Crescent or something related to Islam before. I thought no Muslim would ever do such a thing. I was wrong. Last year I got to know this Iranian dude through a Russian friend of mine. The Iranian dude was a cool guy who was very open minded and liberal. He showed me the biggest and most shocking tattoo I’ve ever seen in my whole life. The tattoo was on his whole back, starting from his neck and going all the way down. It was in Arabic and it said “Allahu Akbar”. That’s one hell of a big sin. Talk about taboos and norms! The guy would probably get shot dead if he walked on an Iraqi beach.

Comments

7 Responses to “Tattoos & Religious Symbols”

  1. The Raccoon on June 19th, 2006 1:27 pm

    To the best of my (severely limited) knowledge, tattoos in Judaism are not exactly haram. They have to be removed before burial, though (a barbaric practice, IMO). I am pretty sure there’s nothing about tattoos in the Tanach, though.

    I don’t think there’s anything about tattoos in the New Testament, either. But then again, religious institutions tend to frown at anything that might be considered fun or interesting, so it doesn’t surprise me that they taboo tattoos :)
    BTW, I will probably never get one (I like myself too much to ruin me with stupid ink :), but if somehow I got convinced to to a tattoo, it would most probably be a magen david. In memoriam and not for any religious reasons.

  2. halalhippie on June 19th, 2006 1:46 pm

    “tattoo was on his whole back, [..]] That’s one hell of a big sin.”

    Why ? He’s making a religious statement. Like wearing a cross or a hijab :-) Sorry, couldn’t resist.
    Seriously, I doubt the Qu’ran even mentions tatoos. There’s a Bible verse saying something along the line of “Thou shalst not add or detract from thine creation” (ie. your body) Rastas take that to mean you shouldn’t cut your hair - or wear tatoos.

    If it’s haram, it’s haram if you decide it to be.

    I’d never have one myself, like racoon too fond of myself as is. But I know ppl who look gorgeous w/tatoos and others who look stupid. To each his own.

  3. Osaid Rasheed on June 19th, 2006 2:19 pm

    It is not accepted in Islam.
    It looks very inviting these days yet that doesnt change that fact.

  4. halalhippie on June 19th, 2006 3:42 pm

    osaid: “(tatoos) not accepted in Islam.”
    No disrespect, are you sure ? Isn’t it rather not accepted in your culture ?

  5. Tsedek on June 19th, 2006 4:26 pm

    In judaism it is not allowed. I wanted one (i’m liberal, but married with a religious guy) but seeing the objection out of religious motives my husband made, i just let go of the idea.

    i just wanted a small rose on my ankle :)
    religious tattoos are indeed weird, going against the religious laws, but making a religious statement.

    Tse.

  6. Aimster on June 19th, 2006 9:37 pm

    Well I know in Christianity we are not meant to ‘deface’ or ‘damage’ our bodies because our bodies are a temple of God, and do not, on the whole, belong to us, but to God. So therefore, it is not “ours” to do with what we wish.

    But with this reasoning, people should also not smoke, or drink excessive amounts, because that too causes harm to our bodies, right?

  7. tooners on June 20th, 2006 2:18 am

    I personally have three tatoos. I was raised a Catholic and was told by one of my brothers that it was a sin, but he now has a few himself. My husband’s brother and sister each have one and they’re Muslims.

    I know a guy who had a religious symbol tatooed on and it was his way of showing respect to God, altho I didn’t get it. I think a lot of ppl get crosses and such and it has nothing to do w/ God - they just think it looks cool.

    I like tatoos but some are somewhat hideous.

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