Are tattoos halal?
Haram. Permanent tattoos are prohibited in all four schools, based on the hadith cursing those who tattoo and are tattooed.
Worth knowing
- Henna and temporary transfers are permitted.
- Most scholars say someone who already has a tattoo does not need to remove it for wudu or prayer to be valid; the Shafi'i school requires removal when it can be done without serious harm.
Quick answers
- Are tattoos halal?
- Haram. Permanent tattoos are prohibited in all four schools, based on the hadith cursing those who tattoo and are tattooed.
Sources
- Halal or Not? rulebook topic “Tattoos”, live answer (checked 28 September 2026)
Information, not a fatwa. Where scholars differ, this shows the main views so you can follow the one you already follow or ask a scholar you trust.
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More on everyday life
- Is music halal? Scholars differ
- Can a Muslim keep a dog? Depends
- Can a Muslim keep a cat? Halal
- Is nail polish halal? Depends
- Can men wear gold and silk? Haram
- Is shaving the beard halal? Scholars differ
- Is smoking, vaping or shisha halal? Haram
- Is cannabis halal? Haram
- Is chess halal? Scholars differ
- Are video games halal? Depends