Interesting piece in Arab News on how young Saudis are being tempted into the world of tattoos and body piercings. The article notes that tattooing is actually forbidden in Islam, under the general category of challenging the work of God in creation. It does not mention the tensions concerning tribal tattoos, to be seen on many women of Bedouin or Berber origin, or those who follow other, local traditions and customs.
Increasing Interest in Tattoos, Body Piercing Fueling Underground Business
Hasan Hatrash, Arab NewsJEDDAH, 10 May 2008 — Young Saudi men and women are increasingly getting their bodies tattooed and pierced, something that is fueling a growth in underground tattooist and body piercers, who are often not only unhygienic but also expensive. Tattooists and body piercers that operate in Jeddah are generally Filipinos, who work from their homes and advertise their services by word-of-mouth.
Matar, a young Saudi who works for an advertising agency, had a large, permanent tattoo done on his back three years ago. “I heard about a tattooist from one of my Filipino work colleagues, who told me that he knew a professional,” he said.
… However, the Kingdom’s religious scholars do not approve of the practice. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Amri, imam of Al-Rajih Mosque in Jeddah, said tattoos are forbidden in Islam and considered sinful. He added that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) clearly stated that tattoos are forbidden as they are an attempt to change Allah’s creation.
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11:19,
What is the stand on henna tattoos for women? Is there any ceremonial purpose for it as in South Asia?
13:19,
Henna is o.k. from my understanding because it is not permanent. However, I don’t trust what those ladies have mixed together. I have heard of horrible adverse reactions to dyes and ingredients put inside the henna.
There is no such thing as black henna by the way. On a softer note :-)and quite a smooth transition from my previous topic. When no one comments, I get all freakeed out…
14:54,
I wonder when parents will realize that the best way to ensure that their kids don’t go in for body modification is to actually encourage it:)
My mother got my ears pierced with I was 5 or 6. Then I refused to let her get me a nose ring. Now she constantly bemoans how I have only ONE set of ear piercings. “Two sets are a must” she wails ” and see how nice your friends look with 3 ear piercings and a nose ring?”
On the other hand, her constant opposition to wearing jeans (soooo immodest) means I own a dozen pairs.
04:33,
Olivetheoil you are a rebel…
I want a nose earing…
04:34,
wait it is a nose ring not a nose earing
05:12,
personally I want ONE
18:22,
I got my ears pierced because I was stupid and boasted: ”Oh yeah, I’m going to have my ears pierced now I’m 15!” (my parents age-limit before we were allowed to ”disfigure” ourselves) And a friend of my mum’s said: ”I’ll pick you up and we’ll get them pierced this afternoon then”!!!!
But really glad I have them! Earlobes are made for dangling large earings from. Why else would we have them? It’s just a minor oversight that they don’t come ready with a small hole as we are born.
18:53,
Just wondering… are men to wear pierced earrings as well? Does every dangly bit of flesh need to be pierced?
15:33,
Are you being naughty Johnny?
17:14,
Me? Never! Well, hardly ever…
02:12,
Seriously shocked here…..
never thought it of you John…..
17:25,
Wot about tattooes that last up to 5 years are they still forbiden?