Question
I read your reply regarding tattoos, and Islam being the Deen-i-Fitrat which urges people to appreciate and preserve the nature on which Allah has created them…
My problem lies slightly further than this, if it is a problem I still don’t know. I got a tattoo, not because anyone told me to, because I felt like doing so. I tattooed Allah in beautiful and basic Arabic writing on the upper-right shoulder blade.
I realized shortly after the problems this would cause me. I don’t care what people think, I did this to remind myself regarding who I belong to, this is my way of doing so. I am His property after all. But people do complain no matter how hard I try and hide it, why can’t people stop pointing other people’s mistakes and fix their own?
But I was ignorant and should have asked questions BEFORE I had it done. So I ask you, as I rather not ask anyone I know here because sadly too many people are narrow minded in the culture I live in… is what I have done wrong? I will have to live with this for the rest of my life, it can be removed with laser in the future but this comes for a heavy price.
I still feel happy with it, but I need an honest reply so I can sleep better at nights if you know what I mean.
I thank you humbly for your time, and look forward to your reply.
Answer
Even If you agree with our opinion given in the referred response, it is clear that you got yourself tattooed before realizing that doing so was against the spirit of Islam. By the Grace and the Mercy of the Almighty, man shall, insha’Allah not be held accountable for any wrong done in ignorance or without realization of it being a wrong. Moreover, the motive that you have described for your action seems nothing less than commendable.
Even though man shall, insha’Allah, not be held responsible for any wrong committed in ignorance, I would suggest that, now when you realize that your action was not recommended, you sincerely, seek forgiveness of the Almighty. Seeking forgiveness and praying for God’s mercy is itself a great virtue. It would not only guarantee forgiveness but would also be a source of bringing you closer to God, which is the ultimate goal of a true Muslim.
In my opinion, it is not obligatory upon you to remove the tattoo. In fact, if I were in your shoes, I would probably not have done so, unless it came to my notice that keeping it on my body was clearly and explicitly prohibited by the Shari`ah.
13th May 2000