Can Muslim men get a nose or tongue piercing?
Not usually. Most scholars advise Muslim men against getting a new nose or tongue piercing. Nose jewelry is seen as women's adornment in most cultures, a tongue bar has no tradition behind it, and both carry health risks for very little benefit. A few scholars allow a plain nose stud where men commonly wear one, but the cautious view is the safer choice.
Why most scholars advise against it
There are two main reasons. The first is imitation. The Prophet ﷺ cursed "those men who are in the similitude (assume the manners) of women" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5885). Because ear and nose jewelry is mainly worn by women in most places, scholars generally say men shouldn't wear it. Your old piercings are a separate question. See Can I keep my piercings after becoming Muslim?
The second is changing the body without need. A piercing is purely for looks, not for treatment, and some scholars place it close to altering Allah's creation for beauty. Piercing a girl's ears has long been accepted as an established custom, but there is no similar tradition for men's noses or tongues.
The health side
A tongue piercing sits in a warm, wet mouth full of bacteria. Possible problems include infection, swelling, bleeding and damage to teeth and gums. A nose piercing can also get infected or inflamed while it heals. Islam asks us not to harm ourselves, and the Prophet ﷺ ruled that "there should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm" (Sunan Ibn Majah 2340). That is one more reason many scholars specifically discourage tongue piercings.
Where scholars differ
- Most scholars: discourage or forbid piercings for men, because they copy women's adornment and serve no real need.
- Some scholars: allow a small, plain stud if it is an ordinary men's custom where you live, since the imitation concern depends on local norms.
- Tongue and other body piercings: widely discouraged, mainly because of the health risk and the lack of any tradition.
If you aren't sure which view to follow, ask a trusted local imam. See Is plastic surgery haram?
If you already have one
A piercing from before you became Muslim isn't held against you. The simplest step is to take the jewelry out. Many holes close on their own, and a leftover mark carries no sin. Piercings don't break wudu, fasting or prayer, but make sure water reaches the skin around them when you wash. Men also often ask about other jewelry. See Can Muslim men wear necklaces or chains?
- Most scholars advise men against new nose or tongue piercings.
- The main reasons are imitating women's adornment and avoidable health risks.
- A few scholars allow a plain stud where it is normal for men.
- An old piercing doesn't affect your wudu or prayer; simply remove the jewelry.
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