Can a tattoo artist become a Muslim?

[seeker1287]

Greetings to everyone here!

I recently started visiting a local Masjid and have been very pleased with my experience there. I have picked up an English translation of the Holy Qur'an and have started reading it. So far it is very beautiful, clear, and inspiring. Once question is very important to me, however, and I really could use the help of the members of this board.

I have been a tattoo artist by profession basically my whole adult life. Besides this, I do not have many qualifications and I don't know how I could earn as much money to pay the bills. I am married and my wife and I wish to have children soon. I have read that tattooing is Haram in Islam and I am curious as to whether or not I can become a Muslim and keep my profession.

In my previous religion, tattooing was probably not looked well upon, but nothing that would ostracize me from the community and it certainly was not viewed as having invalidated my faith in God. It has been a good profession for me and I have earned a decent living and it allows me to be very mobile. Sometimes I go overseas and tattoo there which has been a great experience as I have been able to learn about other cultures and I even met and married my wife while abroad. A desk job would not allow me the same freedom.

I think that tattooing can be seen in different lights. I know that in the past, scarification and tattooing was used as initiation rights in some pagan religions and hence was forbidden by Jews and Christians. I don't think today the associations are quite the same. Of course, I do see the point in not permanently altering what the Lord has created and if I could manage some other way to raise a family by earning money through a more wholesome means, I would certainly change professions.

BTW, just last week I tattooed the daughter of the local Imam with a large "tramp stamp"!

Thank you for any replies in advance.

 

[Woodrow]

Greetings to everyone here!

I recently started visiting a local Masjid and have been very pleased with my experience there. I have picked up an English translation of the Holy Qur'an and have started reading it. So far it is very beautiful, clear, and inspiring. Once question is very important to me, however, and I really could use the help of the members of this board.

I have been a tattoo artist by profession basically my whole adult life. Besides this, I do not have many qualifications and I don't know how I could earn as much money to pay the bills. I am married and my wife and I wish to have children soon. I have read that tattooing is Haram in Islam and I am curious as to whether or not I can become a Muslim and keep my profession.

In my previous religion, tattooing was probably not looked well upon, but nothing that would ostracize me from the community and it certainly was not viewed as having invalidated my faith in God. It has been a good profession for me and I have earned a decent living and it allows me to be very mobile. Sometimes I go overseas and tattoo there which has been a great experience as I have been able to learn about other cultures and I even met and married my wife while abroad. A desk job would not allow me the same freedom.

I think that tattooing can be seen in different lights. I know that in the past, scarification and tattooing was used as initiation rights in some pagan religions and hence was forbidden by Jews and Christians. I don't think today the associations are quite the same. Of course, I do see the point in not permanently altering what the Lord has created and if I could manage some other way to raise a family by earning money through a more wholesome means, I would certainly change professions.

BTW, just last week I tattooed the daughter of the local Imam with a large "tramp stamp"!

Thank you for any replies in advance.

Peace and it is good you have an interest in Islam. Yes it is haram to be a tattoo artist.

I hope some other members will help verify or correct my advice.

While it would be desired that you immediately stop work as such, Islam is made to be easy. It is your livelihood and is currently your only means of support. You are in the same situation as others who work in haram jobs and enter into Islam. Even after accepting Islam you still need an income, a job can not always be left immediately.

Enter with the knowledge you will have to give up this line of work. Keep this job but make sincere efforts to find other work. Look into similar fields that would be halal, perhaps working with reconstructive surgeons who need a the skills of a tattoo artist to complete their work. Also think of specializing in the removal of tattoos from those who no longer want them.

 

[tigerkhan]

welcom bro. its so nice to have u here wid us.
i suggest y dont u discuss this matter with the local imam of that masjid. its would be batter.
2ndly u think, let suppose u are not able to leave this profession, but y u are leaving islam for this reason...i mean if there are 2 better things, and one is much much better and very essential and 2nd is also very good, but u r able to get 2nd...do u leave first just bcz of this reason that u cant get first.
2ndly dont be idealistic.........i mean there are 2 approaches while practicing islam in this era. one due to absolutely different culture from times of prophet PBUH, we think that things are not possible so we try to "tends" or misinterpret islam in wrong way....that is not good approach. surely we cant practice islam as prophet PBUH and his companion had practiced that time, so we do act upon it as much as we can...and sincerely repent ALLAH SWT for what is seeing difficult to us.
i hope u understand.

 

[GuestFellow]

I have been a tattoo artist by profession basically my whole adult life. Besides this, I do not have many qualifications and I don't know how I could earn as much money to pay the bills. I am married and my wife and I wish to have children soon. I have read that tattooing is Haram in Islam and I am curious as to whether or not I can become a Muslim and keep my profession.

Hi.

If you convert to Islam, your past sins will be forgiven. You will, however, need to find a new job. Tattooing is not allowed and making a career out of something that is haraam is not allowed. For example, drinking alcohol is forbidden, therefore serving alcohol in restaurants as a waiter is forbidden too.

Ruling on Tattoos

In my previous religion, tattooing was probably not looked well upon, but nothing that would ostracize me from the community and it certainly was not viewed as having invalidated my faith in God. It has been a good profession for me and I have earned a decent living and it allows me to be very mobile. Sometimes I go overseas and tattoo there which has been a great experience as I have been able to learn about other cultures and I even met and married my wife while abroad. A desk job would not allow me the same freedom.

You have a skill. I'm sure you can enter into other creative professions such as designing patterns for carpets, wallpapers, etc. I think a good job for you might be removing tattoos. :

Pursing a career in the tattoo industry does not mean you are not a Muslim, but it means you have committing a sin. For example, Amir Khan is a Muslim but a boxer too, and competitive boxing is not allowed. There are many Muslims that have developed a career which involves haraam activities, most likely due to ignorance.

This does not mean to leave your career immediately. This will be too difficult and change comes at small steps at a time. So you need to make a good effort into changing careers.

Take care!

 

[tigerkhan]

Peace and it is good you have an interest in Islam. Yes it is haram to be a tattoo artist.

I hope some other members will help verify or correct my advice.

While it would be desired that you immediately stop work as such, Islam is made to be easy. It is your livelihood and is currently your only means of support. You are in the same situation as others who work in haram jobs and enter into Islam. Even after accepting Islam you still need an income, a job can not always be left immediately.

Enter with the knowledge you will have to give up this line of work. Keep this job but make sincere efforts to find other work. Look into similar fields that would be halal, perhaps working with reconstructive surgeons who need a the skills of a tattoo artist to complete their work. Also think of specializing in the removal of tattoos from those who no longer want them.

100% agreed........

 

[nature]

As everyone else has sed, im sure you can use your talent in other directions, and equally make a good living. Also just cos you dont have any qualifications doesnt mean you cant get a job in any other field. If you've been self employed for so long, then thats a great advantage, also you'll have plenty of people skills no doubt, be able to do your own accounts etc etc. Dont be so defeatist, about the qualifications thing. Have a think on what area you would be willing to work in, i know theres shortage on the jobs front, but you could also do short course or maybe train in a new field altogether if you wished ?

BTW, just last week I tattooed the daughter of the local Imam with a large "tramp stamp"!

how did you manage that ?? & out of curiosity wats a tramp stamp ?

 

[indonesian]

Hi.

If you convert to Islam, your past sins will be forgiven. You will, however, need to find a new job. Tattooing is not allowed and making a career out of something that is haraam is not allowed. For example, drinking alcohol is forbidden, therefore serving alcohol in restaurants as a waiter is forbidden too.





You have a skill. I'm sure you can enter into other creative professions such as designing patterns for carpets, wallpapers, etc. I think a good job for you might be removing tattoos. :

Pursing a career in the tattoo industry does not mean you are not a Muslim, but it means you have committing a sin. For example, Amir Khan is a Muslim but a boxer too, and competitive boxing is not allowed. There are many Muslims that have developed a career which involves haraam activities, most likely due to ignorance.

This does not mean to leave your career immediately. This will be too difficult and change comes at small steps at a time. So you need to make a good effort into changing careers.

Take care!

I agree with that in bold, do change your career in step by step, if you want.

 

[Woodrow]

As everyone else has sed, im sure you can use your talent in other directions, and equally make a good living. Also just cos you dont have any qualifications doesnt mean you cant get a job in any other field. If you've been self employed for so long, then thats a great advantage, also you'll have plenty of people skills no doubt, be able to do your own accounts etc etc. Dont be so defeatist, about the qualifications thing. Have a think on what area you would be willing to work in, i know theres shortage on the jobs front, but you could also do short course or maybe train in a new field altogether if you wished ?



how did you manage that ?? & out of curiosity wats a tramp stamp ?

A "Tramp Stamp" is a tattoo done on the lower part of the body usually near the waist. So called because it is not visible on a fully clothed person.

 

[PouringRain]

A "Tramp Stamp" is a tattoo done on the lower part of the body usually near the waist. So called because it is not visible on a fully clothed person.

On the lower back.... usually below the waist line.

 

[Neelofar]

A TATTOO ON THE DAUGHTER OF A LOCAL IMAM?! =| i want to meet this girl

It would be haraam for you to continue to remain in your profession if you became a Muslim, especially because you now know it is haraam

 

[seeker1287]

Thank you all for the warm greetings, encouragement, and thoughtful responses.

I would like to change my profession but at 43 years old it isn't so easy. In my area jobs are difficult to find these days but I will (and indeed have already started to) look for something else to do. I felt guilty at work today because I just don't feel that my art is correct anymore.

So I guess I will continue to learn about Islam and concurrently search for a new profession/job. What else to do?

The Imam's daughter (this is from another masjid which is closer to the shop where I work - the one I have visited is walking distance from my home) just showed up last week and told me what she wanted so I did it. She was terrifically sweet and at 28 years old certainly wasn't just a kid making a decision based on what her friends at school are doing. We had a nice discussion about Islam and she encouraged me to visit the masjid. I was a bit surprised since I had never tattooed a Somali before and very, very few Muslims (although they also are getting them these days). I gave her a good deal and a great tattoo, though!

BTW, she made me promise not to tell anyone about it, but I guess it's OK to mention it here :nervous:

 

[Woodrow]

Thank you all for the warm greetings, encouragement, and thoughtful responses.

I would like to change my profession but at 43 years old it isn't so easy. In my area jobs are difficult to find these days but I will (and indeed have already started to) look for something else to do. I felt guilty at work today because I just don't feel that my art is correct anymore.

So I guess I will continue to learn about Islam and concurrently search for a new profession/job. What else to do?

The Imam's daughter (this is from another masjid which is closer to the shop where I work - the one I have visited is walking distance from my home) just showed up last week and told me what she wanted so I did it. She was terrifically sweet and at 28 years old certainly wasn't just a kid making a decision based on what her friends at school are doing. We had a nice discussion about Islam and she encouraged me to visit the masjid. I was a bit surprised since I had never tattooed a Somali before and very, very few Muslims (although they also are getting them these days). I gave her a good deal and a great tattoo, though!

BTW, she made me promise not to tell anyone about it, but I guess it's OK to mention it here :nervous:

This sentence you wrote shines out as a bright beacon.

So I guess I will continue to learn about Islam and concurrently search for a new profession/job. What else to do?

Inshallah, one day I will get to welcome you home to Islam.

I made my latest Career change at about the age of 65 when I jumped from being a retired psychologist to being a horse rancher. Looking back I've made several major career changes in my life time. Each into a seemingly unrelated area from my past trainings. Some times a dive into new waters can be a very refreshing experience. It was a strange road that took me from Combat pilot to Structural engineer to Christian Missionary to Psychologist to Rancher. With a few unexpected stops on the way.

Never let age stop a career change if it is going to enhance your life.

 

[peaceandlove]

So I guess I will continue to learn about Islam and concurrently search for a new profession/job. What else to do?

Brother

Just a suggestion , its my personal think came in my mind that is if you feel that Islam is what you are looking for and accept that its a true then donot waste any more time to accepting it , you can try to search even a new possession after accepting Islam.

At least, the drawing tattoo is less sin then not accepting Islam and once you accept Islam inshahalallah Allah will help you to give some other possession and I think its better not to do biggest sin just in case you are not control over less sin.

Allah also said that (I did not rember the ayat(verse) ) that if you stop from bigger sins then Allah will also remove small sins from you.

So my suggestion is Accept Islam and inshahallah soon you will able to find a good new profesion

Allah know the best.

 

[nature]

@seeker1287-dont let your age, stop you from changing professions, its only a number right ? theres loads of people that change direction much later on in life. I used to work alongside a tatoo artist, and i really admired his passion for art, im sure there would be other fields you could put your talent to use. it is tough in the job market but not impossible. If you've managed to work on your own for so long, you'll have a lot of skills, you just dont realise them.

as for the young girl, maybe she didnt know it was haram ? some cultures have a laid back approach. I nearly got 1 wen i was younger.

:wa:

 

[seeker1287]

I can't tell you all how much I appreciate the kind and encouraging words. One thing that really attracts me to the Muslim faith is the terrific sense of brotherhood. Visiting the local Masjid, which is only about a 15 minute walk from my house, I really sensed how all of the people I had met were truly gentle and saintly. They took their time speaking to me about Islam, answering my questions, and making me feel welcome. Their concern, as well as that of the members on this forum, seems genuine - not as if they are just looking to "convert" me for the sake of conversion itself.

Now that I am reading the Holy Qur'an, I am really inspired to move forward and not waste any time. peaceandlove's reply is really especially encouraging! Since I am off from work today, I will return to the masjid and discuss my situation with the imam to see what can be done. I do believe that Allah (SWT) in His infinite mercy will direct me to a new career. Already He has provided me with so very much and certainly He will help me to find a more suitable employment, if I am sincere. Truly I am grateful for the opportunity presented here and I can understand the value of it, so what a fool I would have to be not to make an honest effort to surrender?

I suppose I have also had a few different jobs and such in the past, and now I do have much experience from running a tattoo shop, so it isn't impossible to make another change. I have also spent over 20 years studying Hinduism, much of it in India (in fact, I just returned two weeks ago), and although I have believed in God (only one God, not anyone else - unlike some foolish people) for as long, so far I find the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) to be the most concise and suitable for mankind. I am also disgusted by the state of Hinduism today as no one seems to take anything seriously and there's absolutely NO sense of community. The things I saw from the inside were enough to make my sick - arguing, fighting, adultery, child molestation, lying, cheating, racism, etc. I am running away from all of that as fast as I can!

I'd considered looking into Islam before but never seriously. It was while my wife and I were in Calcutta attending a concert recently that I felt truly motivated. We were watching some Mawlawi dervishes from Egypt, when the singer (Ameer ElTony is his name, I believe) in the sang the Shahada, in the midst of another song, and it was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard. The devotion with which it was sung was incredible and the atmosphere of the place seemed surcharged with a spiritual energy I'd never experienced before. My wife and I both turned towards each other (after a moment of being stunned by the beauty of the moment) and simultaneously said that we both recognized the shahada. I explained to her what that it meant that there is only one God, and she enthusiastically responded "Shei'to thik!" ("That's right!") That night it occurred to me that perhaps I needed to look in to Islam more sincerely.

It's a bit of a jump to become a Muslim, and I don't know what my family friends will think, but I do feel inspired to take the plunge regardless of what may come.

The imam's daughter definitely knew what was up with the tattoo, being haram and all, but I guess she is a bit too influenced by the current trends and fashions.

 

[Zuzubu]

Indeed a good idea, to speak with your local imam. He knows the situation better, as he knows the environment. =)

I'm sure there is better jobs for a creative man like you than making tattoes if you rely for finding it. =)

 

[Amat Allah]

Alhamdulillah...

May Allah lead your way to the path of the endless happiness my respected brother and open for ya all the doors of true success, happiness and goodness and May He give you the best of this life and of the Hereafter and all of His creatures Ameeeeen

your words are so warming for the heart so cooling (comforting) for the eyes, once you walk to Allah ; He will run to you and when you take one step towards Him ; He will take many...all Praise, Glory and Thanks be to The One Who created us all to worship Him alone and honored us by making us His slaves and servants...

your words filled my eyes with tears; cause many people are blind to see but Allah had opened the door for ya now and May Allah help ya now to step forward and enter it to walk in Allah`s path ; the path of mercy and happiness...May Allah be with you and guide your way always and forever...Ameeeeen

I am happy for you and I wish that the whole world would someday realize and open their hearts and eyes to see and understand...May Allah never prevent you my noble brother from the true happiness ever and May Allah guide us all in this life and in the Hereafter Aameeeen

please take care of yourself and your precious family my brother and never give up no matter what...

leaving you under Allah`s sight and care...

Humbly, your sister:

Amat Allah

 

[seeker1287]

Thank so much for the kind words and inspiration! By the grace of Allah (SWT), I was able to meet with the local imam today and have a discussion with him about my predicament. The conclusion was: "Don't delay in accepting Islam as your faith and gradually all of these unwanted things can be removed from your life." Al Humdulillah!

I also began to learn how to perform salah and I purchased a DVD with detailed instructions "Pray as you have seen me pray."

It's wonderful to be encouraged by so many sincere people. Indeed, I have never been surrounded by such loving people in my life. I hope to continue down this path and never look back. Thanks again to all the nice brothers and sisters on this great forum!

 

[Woodrow]

Thank so much for the kind words and inspiration! By the grace of Allah (SWT), I was able to meet with the local imam today and have a discussion with him about my predicament. The conclusion was: "Don't delay in accepting Islam as your faith and gradually all of these unwanted things can be removed from your life." Al Humdulillah!

I also began to learn how to perform salah and I purchased a DVD with detailed instructions "Pray as you have seen me pray."

It's wonderful to be encouraged by so many sincere people. Indeed, I have never been surrounded by such loving people in my life. I hope to continue down this path and never look back. Thanks again to all the nice brothers and sisters on this great forum!

Brother to be,

The second you say the shahadah you are a new creation. there is no looking back as your past is as if it never happened. People do not convert to Islam, they return home and find they have gained a very large family.

 

[Ramadhan]

everyone here has been giving good advice masha Allah

I pray to Allah that He SWT guide you and your family to the straight path and I pray to Him SWT that he makes your affairs easy, provide you with livelihood that pleases Him SWT and keep you and your family steadfast in shirathol mustaqeem (the straight path). Amiin.

Let me illustrate you, many of the first muslims (the shahaba - companions radiallahu anh) were also not able to change everything instantly when they embraced Islam, so you may also need to do things step by step, while making firm intentions to learn more and do more.