arabic tattoo?

livetolove · Post by **livetolove** » 19 Jul 2006 04:31

i was wondering if it is considered disrespectful for someone to have a tattoo in arabic writing by the general arabic speaking community?

boulevard · Post by **boulevard** » 19 Jul 2006 17:12

As for me, in general the answer would be :No, it's not considered to be disrespectful unless it has offensive words, racist expressions or mention of God or religion etc, after all this language is considered sacred because it's the language of the Koran.

NB : Tatoos are forbidden in Islam, so some people would say it is disrespectful since getting a tatoo is forbidden in the first place.

sarahlauren · Post by **sarahlauren** » 01 Aug 2006 15:50

Im curious Boulevard, why is it that you say "or mention of God or religion". I would think a religous symbol or mention of God would be more respectful, because you always have a reminder of your faith. Perhaps you can provide me some insight into the culture. I know there is mention of tattoos in the book of Leviticus, but that is in reference to tattooing images of pagen Gods, and ownership to other gods by branding. Is this passage the reason tattoos being forbidden, and the mention of God disrespectful?

boulevard · Post by **boulevard** » 02 Aug 2006 12:26

Hi Sarah,
I don't know much about the subject, but since religion is a school subject, I remember we have studied a saying of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which forbids tattoos. So, I looked it up and found it in English.

Narrated 'Aun bin Abu Juhaifa: "My father bought a slave who practiced the profession of cupping. (My father broke the slave's instruments of cupping). I asked my father why he had done so. He replied, 'The Prophet forbade the acceptance of the price of a dog or blood, and also forbade the profession of tattooing, getting tattooed and receiving or giving Riba, (usury), and cursed the picture-makers.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Sales and Trade, Volume 3, Book 34, Number 299)"

From the Islamic point of view :
Tattooing is forbidden in Islam because it subjects the body to pain without any benefit. Hurting one's self or body is strictly forbidden in this religion (other people's as well, that's why mutilation and maiming are forbidden, too ). Besides, it is considered to be a kind of changing what God has perfectly created. So, involving God in something forbidden in the first place, wouldn't be such a good idea.

As for me I don't mind people getting tattoos in Arabic, but I don't think I will get a tattoo myself ( too painful for me )

Is this passage the reason tattoos being forbidden, and the mention of God disrespectful?

Well, believe me some people who tattoo the name of God or something like it, do it in an offensive way.

sarahlauren · Post by **sarahlauren** » 03 Aug 2006 14:54

thank you for explaining, I appreciate it.