ConureDelSol

In Islam, some of the Hadiths say that Allah curses those who give tattoos and those who receive them. However, if someone has a tattoo and becomes a muslim, then Allah forgives them. From what I understand though, it's a big deal seeing as tattoos are seeing as altering Allah's creation.

In Christianity, I think that there are verses that seem to discourage tattoos, but in general, it seems that Christians don't enforce this rule very much. My church actually had a tattoo shop under its name at one time, for example.

Now we come to the Ba'hai faith. Has this topic been mentioned in any scriptures or writings? I am reading, but I haven't gotten very far yet. I already have some tattoos I received before I became Ba'hai. I really would like to get another one, but I'm not sure if it's forbidden.

Edit: Oops! Maybe this should be under Social Practices...if any mod wants to move this, feel free...

cire perdue

A Baha'i I know said a women's group really researched this and found no prohibitions. However moderation is always a good idea. I like colorful tatoos, don't like the black/blue ones. I have wanted to have a tatoo of my Baha'i ID # on my arm and a bar code for it. I probably won't do it.......

kavaliro

I've seen (elsewhere on this forum, in fact) a letter from the Universal House of Justice which says the same thing Cire Perdue said. Just do a search for 'tatoos,' and the other threads dealing with this topic go into some depth on this topic.

arthra

There are some issues I think that people get into nowadays regarding tattoos.. It's become a widespread fashion. Depending on your tattoo..size..location..etc. it could interfere with your acceptance by others in say some professions.

Also, when people tire of the tattoos they have.. they want them removed and this is a costly and painful experience..more than getting them in the first place. So I recommend that people consider this:

Tattoo Removal - Tattoo Removal Options and Alternatives


Below is a Letter on the subject from the House of Justice.. so there is nothing in the Writings on the matter of tattooing.. We have been advised however "make not yourselves the playthings of the ignorant."

19 August 2003

Dear Bahá’í Friend,

Your email letter of 17 August 2003 regarding tattoos has been received at the Bahá’í World Centre and referred to our Department for response.

In reply to your enquiry, nothing at all has been found in the Holy Texts on the matter of tattooing. There is, of course, the following general counsel given by Bahá’u’lláh:

Let there be naught in your demeanour of which sound and upright minds would disapprove, and make not yourselves the playthings of the ignorant. Well is it with him who hath adorned himself with the vesture of seemly conduct and a praiseworthy character. (The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, paragraph 159)

Generally, what is appropriate in such matters will clearly vary from culture to culture.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

aidan

Why the need for our ID cards?What purpose do they serve?

kavaliro

It is identification for Baha'i voting purposes, it is used to determine whether a person is allowed donate to the Baha'i Fund, and it states on the back that the person wishes Baha'i burial rites.

aidan

Thankyou brother