Thoughts on this?

[Deeba1234]

Re: Thoughts on this?

@redvelvet

If a Muslim was fully aware that tattoos are prohibited in Islam, then yes, that IS a rebellion toward Allah. If that tattoo covers a fairly large area of the body and is often displayed, then yes, it’s an open rebellion. Even if the tattoo is tiny and the placement is inconspicuous, it is still a rebellion if the person knew before hand of its prohibition. Rebellion is not underplayed or even negated by size or placement. If one was not aware of the prohibition, that’s something else. Yes, other sins such as consuming riba, zina, gossiping, not praying are also acts of rebellion…but they cannot and more importantly should not be used to deflect from or downplay other sins. It’s not reasonable or logical, but by nature most of us become defensive about our sins/mistakes.

I personally don’t mind tattos so much depending on the design; some can look tasteful. But it’s still a rebellion if it’s deliberately done when one knows the rulings. Saying that it has personal meaning is like saying it’s a personal statement. In that case fashion sense, your hairstyle, car etc are also examples of personal statements. However, these are examples of things that can be easily altered and can evolve with time, whereas a tattoo is usually done with the intent of permanence. This intent of permanence coupled with the person’s willingness to put themselves through physical pain (more pain than it would take for the usual body piercings) might be why the personal meanings/impressions made by tattoos are perceived to be a bigger deal by desis and non-desis alike.

Not sure why the henna example was used. It sounded defensive. Yes, there are many people who cannot stand the smell or look of henna. But culture and religion do not view henna and tattoos on the same level and you knew that. Whether or not tattoos tell you a great deal about a person’s character is subject to debate. It depends upon the individual and what things they can overlook. You and your husband both have tatoos…fine. We all have our preferences and what one person cannot look past may be a matter of rigidity or small-mindedness to another.

Henna was mentioned because it’s also a personal preference which some ppl might find ‘ugly’ as well.. no more to it than that.. In our culture it’s considered beautiful just like tattoos can be considered attractive in other cultures.. I could have said the same about body piercings or other ‘adornments’ which are often considered attractive in one culture but not another..

I’m not defensive about my sins and I’m not trying to downplay them.. If anything I was pointing out that certain others here downplay their own sins and choose to focus on sins which aren’t common in our culture.. If something isn’t done in their family or society it’s haram but if every other person is doing it it’s totally ok.. In western culture as Paheli also mentioned somewhere it’s become commplace for people to have tattoos, even amongst the very successful.. The usual (ie smallish and inoffensive) tattoo is usually not taken as a sign of a person’s character except by those who are very conservative or sheltered..

As for rebellion it’s no more ‘rebellious’ than a million other things Muslims are doing which they shouldn’t be doing every day.. I’m sure if I wanted to really ‘rebel’ in the sense PP was getting at I’d do something which was more attention grabbing than a small tattoo which is hidden from everyone bar my own partner..