Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badat
Question:
When my husband was younger, in his teenage years, he mistakenly got a big tattoo. He did not know it is ḥarām (forbidden) in Islam to get a permanent tattoo. Later on, he realized it was a big mistake. Now In-shā-Allāh we want to perform Ḥajj next year. Can he go for Ḥajj with his tattoo on his arm? What are we supposed to do? If you can please advise me on this.
Answer:
Jazākumullāhu Khayran / Thank you for your question.
May the Almighty accept your intention to proceed for Ḥajj (the Islamic pilgrimage).
As far as the tattoo of your husband is concerned, you are correct, it is islamically prohibited to apply permanent tattoos to the body, as this equates to forbidden tampering of the God given body. Now that the realization has set in, the best option would be to have the tattoo removed.
‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd (may Allūh be pleased with him) stated, “Allāh’s curse is on those who apply tattoos [upon others] and those who seek tattoos.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
If for some reason or the other, the tattoo was not or cannot be removed, then one should still proceed for Ḥajj. Seek forgiveness from the Almighty. In-sha Allāh the pilgrimage will be accepted as the Almighty knows the situation and He is Most Merciful.
You should note that both matters (the Ḥajj and tattoos) have no correlation. They are independent of one another. The tattoo should certainly be removed if one can do so, however if one cannot, it would not have a negative impact on the pilgrimage In-sha Allāh.
And Allāh Knows Best
