Ruling On Tribal Marks And Tattoo

"Tribal marks are created using sharp instruments such as razor blades, knives or glass and in some cases, flesh is cut from the skin to create a gash, which later heals and leaves a permanent pattern on the body while tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment."

Historically, across many tribes in Africa tribal marks have become a way of identification, beautification and protection. Tribal marks are created using sharp instruments such as razor blades, knives or glass and in some cases, flesh is cut from the skin to create a gash, which later heals and leaves a permanent pattern on the body while tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment.

Effects of tattoo and facial mark includes:

1. Health effect: Use of unsterilized instrument can cause Infections in skin, Tetanus, HIV and hepatitis B.

2. Psychological, emotional and social effect: Skin disorder, Skin allergies, Swelling, Burning and the healing process might leave a scar and develop keloids.

Islam discourage causing our own destruction, creating tribal marks is risky and many people have been afflicted by it. Allaah says: “Do not cause your own destruction” (Al-Baqarah: 195). Regarding tattoo, Abdullah reported: The Messenger of Allaah, peace and blessings be upon him, said the one who gives tattoos and the one who receives them have been cursed, as well as the one who makes hair extensions and the one who receives them, the one who consumes usury and the one who pays it, and the one who marries and divorces a woman in order to make her lawful for another and the one who marries her. Sunan An-Nasa’i 314 6th Saheeh (authentic) according to Al-Albani.

Therefore, tattoo is forbidden. Sheik Ibn Baz validate that there is no difference between tattoos on the face or on the hand or elsewhere. With regard to what has been done in the past as a result of ignorance, it is sufficient to repent for that, and praise be to Allaah. If it is possible to remove it without causing harm, then that must be done. With regard to the future, after coming to know the ruling of Allaah, the Muslim must beware of that which Allaah has forbidden. This applies to both men and women. Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat li’l-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 6/404. Tribal marks and tattoo on the face, stomach, hand or elsewhere have no evidence in the Sharee’ah. Let's stop it!

May Allah grant us understanding of His religion and accept it as an act of ‘ibadah.

Source: Fiqh class foundation

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