What religion is against tattoos?
Chloe Ramirez
Updated on March 07, 2026
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have been hostile to the use of tattoos, but many religions, in particular Buddhism and Hinduism, make extensive use of them. This article examines their use as tools for protection and devotion.
Is it against religion to have a tattoo?
Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition (see below). The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"—so as to prohibit tattoos, and perhaps even makeup.Does the Bible forbid tattoos?
But in the ancient Middle East, the writers of the Hebrew Bible forbade tattooing. Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.Is tattoo a sin Catholic?
While a tattoo is not wrong, it is excessive and probably immoral to cover your entire body in ink.Are tattoos a sin in Islam?
For those who aren't aware, tattoos are considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. There is no specific Islamic verse outlining this point but many people believe wudu (the purification ritual) cannot be completed if you have a tattoo on your body.What does the Bible say about TATTOOS? Is it a sin to get a tattoo?
Are tattoos a sin in Judaism?
Jewish Law Forbids TattoosA tattoo of any kind is a desecration of the body. Committing one sin does not exclude you from Judaism. Getting a tattoo is like any other violation of Torah law.