What Does Religion Say About Tattoos?

For centuries, tattoos have adorned skin, serving as symbols of identity, tradition, and personal expression.

But when faith enters the picture, questions arise: how do major religions view this permanent form of body art?

This article delves into the diverse perspectives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, exploring the scriptures, interpretations, and evolving cultural contexts that shape their stances on tattoos. 

Judaism

Judaism has diverse interpretations and traditions, and views on tattoos may vary among Jewish communities and denominations. The Torah, which is the central reference for Jewish law and tradition, includes a verse that is often cited in discussions about tattoos.

The relevant passage is found in Leviticus 19:28 (Torah, Old Testament):

“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”

This command is part of the broader set of laws given to the Israelites, and it’s generally understood as a prohibition against marking or altering the body, possibly for ritualistic or pagan reasons.

However, interpretations can differ among Jewish scholars.

Orthodox Judaism often upholds the literal interpretation of this verse, and many Orthodox Jews avoid getting tattoos.

Conservative and Reform Judaism, on the other hand, may have varying perspectives, with some individuals and communities being more lenient regarding tattoos.

In contemporary Jewish communities, attitudes toward tattoos may be influenced by cultural factors, personal beliefs, and individual interpretations of religious texts.

Some Jewish individuals may choose to follow the traditional prohibition against tattoos, while others may not consider it as strictly binding and may choose to get tattoos for personal or cultural reasons.

Christianity

Unlike Judaism’s clear prohibition, Christianity offers no definitive stance on tattoos, creating a patchwork of interpretations within its diverse denominations.

While verses like 1 Corinthians 6:19 (“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?”) raise questions about body sanctity, their application to tattoos remains debated.

On one hand, conservative Christians hold firm to a literal interpretation of scripture, aligning with the Jewish view.

They consider body markings disrespectful modifications to God’s creation, further amplified by verses like Romans 12:1 emphasizing bodily purity. For these groups, tattoos are incompatible with their faith.

However, many mainstream Protestant and modern Catholic denominations take a more nuanced approach.

They emphasize individual choice and responsibility, viewing tattoos as neutral practices like clothing or hairstyles.

The focus shifts to the meaning behind the tattoo and its alignment with Christian values. As long as the designs don’t promote harmful ideologies or offensive imagery, they are generally considered acceptable.

This perspective acknowledges the evolving cultural context and individual expression within the bounds of faith.

Open dialogue and respect for diverse interpretations remain crucial in navigating this complex topic within Christianity.

Islam

The issue of tattoos is not explicitly addressed in the Quran, which is the holy book of Islam. 

However, there are some Hadiths (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) that touch upon the subject indirectly.

One Hadith that is often referred to is found in Sahih Bukhari, one of the most trusted collections of Hadith:

Narrated by Abu Juhaifa: “Allah has cursed those women who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed, and those who remove their face hairs, and those who create a space between their teeth artificially to look beautiful, such women as change the features created by Allah. Why then should I not curse those whom the Prophet (ﷺ) (himself) has cursed?”

It’s important to note that while some Hadiths discourage certain practices, opinions on tattoos may vary among Islamic scholars and communities.

Some scholars argue that the prohibition in the Hadith is specific to certain practices such as changing one’s appearance artificially, and therefore, not all forms of tattoos are necessarily prohibited.

In general, Islamic views on tattoos may depend on factors such as cultural context, individual interpretation, and the understanding of scholars.

Some Muslims may consider tattoos as impermissible, while others may view them as permissible as long as they do not involve offensive or inappropriate images, and they are not obtained for sinful purposes.

Beyond the Scripture

It’s vital to remember that religious views on tattoos are complex and evolve over time.

While scriptures and teachings provide a framework, individual interpretations, cultural contexts, and personal beliefs play a significant role.

This article merely scratches the surface of this multifaceted topic.

Engaging in respectful dialogue with religious leaders and communities is crucial for understanding the diverse perspectives on this ever-evolving practice.

Remember: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute religious guidance. Please consult with religious leaders and communities for further insights and interpretations specific to your faith.