Can I get a Quran verse tattoo?

Why tattoos are not allowed

The Prophet ﷺ clearly prohibited tattooing. Narrated Ibn 'Umar, he said that Allah "has cursed... a lady who tattoos (herself or someone else) or gets herself tattooed" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5937). Another report says simply that "he prohibited tattooing" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5740). Scholars explain that these warnings apply to men and women alike, and that tattooing permanently changes the body Allah created.

Meaningful content doesn't make a prohibited act permitted. A verse tattoo might come from love for the Quran, but the way to honor that love is through reciting, memorizing and living by it.

Extra concerns with Quran tattoos

• Bathrooms: the verse would go with you into the toilet and the shower.
• Exposure: it may be on a part of the body that should be covered, or seen in places that don't suit the Quran.
• Errors: tattoo artists often get Arabic wrong, which means a misspelled verse permanently on your skin.
• Aging: the text will fade, stretch and change over the years.

If you already have one

Many converts arrive with tattoos, sometimes including Arabic or religious text. Here's the balanced approach most scholars take:

• No guilt for the past: what you did before Islam is wiped clean when you accept Islam.
• Removal is not required if it's painful, costly or harmful: many scholars say you don't have to undergo laser treatment, though you may if you wish.
• Cover it where possible: especially when entering the bathroom, using clothing or a bandage if it's easy to do.
• Wudu and prayer are valid: a tattoo is under the skin and doesn't block water.

See Do I have to remove my tattoos after becoming Muslim? for more detail.

Better ways to keep a verse close

If a verse means a lot to you, memorize it and recite it in your prayers. You could hang it as calligraphy at home or keep it as a phone wallpaper. See Can I hang Quran verses on my wall?