Should I Get Rid of My Tattoo Before Entering Islam?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question: Assalamu alaykum

I have been with a Muslim man for several years. I don’t have no religion myself, but I have been following some islamic rules like not eating pork, no drinking and so on. I want to convert now but I have a lot of tattoos and I worry I won’t be accepted in Islam. Will the tattoos prevent me from becoming muslim?

Answer:  Walaikum assalam,

I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits.

A Muslim is someone who believes in One God—Allah—and believes that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of God.

Getting rid of your tattoo’s is not a condition for entering Islam—and you are not expected (given the hardship normally entailed in removal) to remove them, either.

We would encourage you to take steps to learn your new faith and its practices—outward and spiritual—gradually, in ways that nurture a good relationship with God, and that brings good in your life and relationships.

Do consider the free courses here at www.SeekersGuidance.org — and we are at your service if you have any questions.

May Allah grant you success and facilitation.

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a scholar and researcher of Islamic law and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance Global After ten years overseas, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in the Summer of 2007. In May 2008 he founded SeekersGuidance Global to deal with the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge—both online and on the ground—in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He has been repeatedly listed as one of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims (The Muslim500).