I have been thinking about converting to Islam for a few years now. I have two questions. First of all I have many tattoos and I have learned this is frowned upon in Islam. Do you think I would be looked down upon? I also don't really understand the "not dating rule" in Islam. I would like to some day remarry and I don't really understand how that would work if I don't date? Any comments would be great.
Thanks,
-Ryan
And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.” [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]
Question
My question is regarding tattoos. My husband and I are both new Muslim converts. We are both Americans and lived a typical American lifestyle before reverting.
My problem is that my husband and I have extensive tattoo work done on our bodies. We would like one day to go to Hajj, in sha’ Allah. But, my husband is concerned that his extensive tattoos will cause him problems.
Due to the extensive nature of his tattoos, it would be so expensive to remove them that we don’t have removal as an option at this time. Also, that would maybe leave extensive scarring as well.
Shouldn’t we perform Hajj? As a female I do not have this worry since I am now covering, but my husband still has to worry about his arms and chest showing.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, thank you very much for having confidence in us, and we implore Allah-from the depth of our hearts- to guide you along the path of truth and righteousness.
It is really a chance to congratulate you and your husband for becoming Muslims, and we hope you understand the tolerant teachings of Islam, whom Allah chooses to guide the baffled humanity to the safe shore.
Before answering your question, we would like first to ascertain that Islam has a solution for every problem, and the scope of the Shari`ah is not that stern as some may claim. Although tattoos are unlawful or haram to apply at first place, there is nothing wrong for new Muslim converts, who have no means to remove them, in leaving them. The tolerant teachings of Islam and its peaceful spirit makes it easy for new converts to become easily adapted to its unique environment, and matchless life style.
In short, a new Muslim convert cannot be casted out of Islam, after recently embracing it, for having no means to remove tattoos applied during his pre-Islamic life.
In his response to the question, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former president of the Islamic Society of North America, states the following:
“First of all, I would like to stress the fact that it is haram to have tattoos on the body. However, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “Islam takes away the sins done before it.”
Thus, if these tattoos cannot be removed easily or if you have to spend a lot of money to remove them, then you should not worry about them.
When Hajj becomes obligatory on you, you should perform it and do not neglect it because of tattoos on your body. No one should stop you from going to Hajj because of tattoos. I have seen hundreds of pilgrims, men and women, who come from some countries and they have all kinds of tattoos on their faces and bodies. It is forbidden in Islam, but among some tribes in Africa, unfortunately, it is still practiced, even among Muslims.”
I have been thinking about converting to Islam for a few years now. I have two questions. First of all I have many tattoos and I have learned this is frowned upon in Islam. Do you think I would be looked down upon? I also don't really understand the "not dating rule" in Islam. I would like to some day remarry and I don't really understand how that would work if I don't date? Any comments would be great.
Thanks,
-Ryan
AsSalamu Alaykum Ryan,
unless your tatts are jailhouse racists tatts, don't worry too much about them. just cover them with clothing. if anyone "looks down on you,", THEY have a problem and not you!
the "dating rule" IS to be adhered to, but not to worry! spend some time to learn your Religion. that's the most important thing.
when you think that you are ready to marry, ask the brothers to help you out. you'll want to find a wife that is best for your Religion. you'll have to find a wife through the brothers. they'll explain the process to you.
just remember, for a wife, you want "her" Religion to be as good as possible. she'll be the one raising your children, so it's VERY important.
here's some stuff to help you learn more about Islam:
Had the non-believer known of all the Mercy which is in the Hands of Allah, he would not lose hope of entering Paradise, and had the believer known of all the punishment which is present with Allah, he would not consider himself safe from the Hell-Fire http://www.muftimenk.co.za/Downloads.html
I have been thinking about converting to Islam for a few years now. I have two questions. First of all I have many tattoos and I have learned this is frowned upon in Islam. Do you think I would be looked down upon? I also don't really understand the "not dating rule" in Islam. I would like to some day remarry and I don't really understand how that would work if I don't date? Any comments would be great.
Thanks,
-Ryan
Asalam wr wb brother, as in the post the scholar mentioned that because you had those tattoos previously and you dont have the means of removing them it is fine and you don't have to worry! In regards to dating, it is forbidden for a male to have a relationship with a female without being married to her! The reasons for this is to avoid any possible evil that may occur! Because as humans we are created weak and getting to know one another in a relationship always leads to other things because the devil is always third party!
But there are many places you can go to that you can ask someone in regards to finding a partner! Firstly there are many websites but i would recommend that you approach any muslim you know or prefferably an imam of any mosque! Because there are many muslim reverts nowadays in the same position as you and many get married through imams in mosques!There are many muslim women out there who want to find muslim partners and are waiting for the right person to come along!
My brother if you do things the right way you think allah will not find you a good partner? For the people who are obedient to allah our lord opens doors for us that we never imagined possible!
I have attatched for you some very interesting files that will be of great interest for you and for anyone else that wants to gain knowledge of islam! I hope you accept the shahada as soon as possible and i welcome you to islam and allah has guided you because he has seen something in you that he likes! Please make dua(supplication) for me brother. allah hafiz
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