Title: Entering the Mosque With a Tattoo Question: I've just read your articles and questions on tattoos. I however am still confused. I've heard from a number of people that once a person gets a tattoo he or she is forbidden from entering a Mosque. If this is true then how can the same person go for Hajj but not be able to enter a Mosque? Or is this just another lie Sunni Imams like to spread. Answer: There is no command in the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) that disallows a tattooed person from entering a mosque. One may enter a mosque, perform regular prayers there or at home, and perform Hajj (Sacred Pilgrimage). As a matter of fact, a person with a tattoo may perform any and all practices of Islam and is not forbidden from any ritual. The issue of tattoos is a matter related to interpretation of ahadith (narratives). Thus, the assertion is incorrect. Your last comment is disrespectful, unbecoming, and prejudiced in its nature. Please do not be offended as my intention is to help you realize that such words are unnecessary and unseemly of a Muslim. Imams are humans and they make mistakes just as we all do. It is unfortunate that so much has crept up into our faith; sometimes even our scholars, imams , and learned men and women, with good intentions, may inadvertently succumb to the accretions in religion. Try to be kinder and more lenient in your attitude towards all people in general and be ever-cautious at incriminating anyone. It is a heavy burden to bear, please be mindful. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan February 16, 2007