• Reverts are not obligated to remove their tattoos, as all past sins are forgiven upon accepting Islam but how does this give us a deeper understanding of who Allah is?
• Indonesia’s Amil Zakat National Agency provides free tattoo removal services during Ramadan. This helps those who cannot afford the expensive removal process.
Many scholars affirm that a revert with tattoos is not required to remove them, as all of his/her past sins are completely forgiven upon accepting Islam, erasing their former deeds as if they never happened.
Moreover, when a person embraces the beautiful way of life that Islam offers by accepting the Shahadah (the declaration of faith), all their past wrongdoings are transformed into acts of righteousness.
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said:
“When a person becomes Muslim, all his previous sins are forgiven, and he is like a newborn.”
(Sahih Muslim)
“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds, and repented from sin, your Lord will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
(Quran, Surah Furqan 25:70)
Similarly, a born Muslim who has sincerely repented and transformed their life is not obligated to undergo tattoo removal, particularly if it would cause excessive pain or harm. This teaches us that—
Allah’s mercy is profound, and he consistently offers a path of ease, forgiveness, and renewal to those who turn to Him. He certainly wants us to win!
Renowned YouTuber, our brother WayofLifeSQ, for instance, who bears tattoos, completely transformed his life and has now become a prominent da’ee.
Here, a new member of our Muslim family, the popular streamer Brother Sneako, shares his wisdom on the topic with our little sister. This makes us reflect upon how—
Even when a person violates the vessel that our souls were placed in, and forgets that our bodies are an amanah entrusted to us by Al-khaliq, (the one who creates perfectly) Allah extends His forgiveness to those who sincerely repent
Indonesia’s free Tattoo Removal service
In Jakarta, the Amil Zakat National Agency, an Islamic charity, is providing free tattoo removal services for Muslims. The initiative is being offered during the sacred month of Ramadan.
First launched in 2019, the program has since become an annual event during Ramadan—a gifted month given by Allah geared towards spiritual devotion, fasting, reflection, repentance, charity and acts of goodwill. This year, approximately 700 people have signed up for the offered services, bringing the total number of participants close to 3,000.
“We want to pave the way for people who want to hijrah (move closer to God), including those who wish to remove their tattoos,” said Mohammad Asep Wahyudi, a coordinator of the event. He noted that many individuals lack the financial means or knowledge of how to safely undergo tattoo removal.
Laser removal, which requires multiple sessions and may not always be entirely effective, can cost thousands of dollars, particularly for expensive tattoos.
Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority nation. In Islam, adhering to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s.aw) is paramount. Tattooing is considered a violation of Allah’s creation and is explicitly condemned, as it results in the alteration of the body without a necessity.
“The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) cursed the one who does tattoos and the one who has a tattoo done.” (Sahih Muslim 2125)
Sri Indrayati, 52, tattooed the name of her first daughter on her hand at 22, shortly after giving birth. Now, she regrets the decision, especially as her grandchildren repeatedly urge her to remove it, perceiving it as an unsightly, thick scribble.
“When I take my grandson to school, the children whisper to each other: ‘Look at that grandma, she has a tattoo!’” she said.
Evalia Zadora, another participant, got a large star inked on her back and the phrase “Hope, Love, and Rock & Roll” on her upper chest as a teenager to fit in with a gang. Today, she seeks their removal—both as a step toward strengthening her faith and out of consideration for her family.
“The negative perception of tattooed people doesn’t bother me, but it has affected my husband and son,” said Zadora, 36. “They feel uncomfortable with my tattoos, and I respect their feelings, so I want to remove them.”
Teguh Islean Septura winces in pain as the laser’s rapid bursts of light sear into the intricate tattoos on his arm. Yet, the former musician endures the discomfort, driven by his resolve to repent during the holy month of Ramadan.
The 30-year-old guitarist once covered his back, arms, and legs in tattoos to “look cool” while performing in a band…
….but now, with a renewed dedication to Islam, he understands that altering the body given to him by Allah was a mistake.
“As humans, we sometimes falter. Now, I want to better myself by drawing closer to God,” Septura said, as a health worker directed a white laser wand over his skin, the beam piercing through layers of red, green, and black ink. “God gave me clean skin, and I ruined it—that’s what I regret now.”
As we have entered the last ten nights of Ramadan, we must remember that Allah azza wa Jal cares the most about how we finish the race. He cares the most about the condition of our hearts and how this manifests in our actions at the time the angel of death visits us.
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and deeds.” Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2564)
