Ink of Faith: Rising Tattoo Trend in Iran Amid Challenges

In a dimly lit, old cafe, among a circle of companions, he fervently expounds on the legend of Hussain, Shia Islam's third Imam. They recount Hussain's defiance against oppression.

Draped in somber attire, reminiscent of the solemnity of Muharram, they echo his cry: "Silence is not an option in the face of tyranny." 

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds profound significance for Shia Muslims. It commemorates the death of Hussain.

In a poignant gesture, he bares his neck, revealing a bold tattoo of the name Ali -- Shia Islam's first Imam and Hussain's father -- etched deeply into his skin. It is a visible testament to his devotion and a guiding light for others to recognize his faith.

With solemn resolve, he says that "such injustices shall not endure."

Affectionately known as Haji by his comrades, he wears his former affiliation with the Basij paramilitary force as a badge of honor, even though he declares, "I've severed ties with them."

Nowadays, he splits his time between the mosque and the humble confines of cafes, engaging in spirited discourse with fellow devotees and savoring the haze of a hookah, all while denouncing the Islamic Republic.

He yearns for a society where every aspect of life is permeated with the spirit of "Alivar," where the significance of Ali reigns supreme.

"True faith resides within one's heart, yet Muharram offers a timely opportunity to raise one's voice for ten nights and confront the prevailing injustices," Haji asserts. 

During Muharram, Shia Muslims emphasize a ban on fighting, promoting peace and reflection. 

In this close-knit circle, Haji is not alone in his outward display of religious symbolism.

He attests that many believe in "adorning their bodies with blessed names," or aspire to do so, each marking a personal testament to their spiritual commitment.

Majidreza Rahnavard, who was executed by the verdict of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court during the Woman, Life, Freedom protests, appeared at the execution site with a broken hand.

His broken hand was evident in a video released by the Islamic Republic's affiliated media.

Many speculate that Rahnavard's hand was broken during interrogations by the security forces of the Islamic Republic due to his left hand having a lion and sun tattoo - a symbol of the former Shah government.

The speculation arose as numerous individuals in the Islamic Republic have reported being harassed or humiliated by police forces because of their tattoos.

Despite these challenges, statements and evidence indicate a growing interest in tattoos among Iranians.

Research on tattoos within Iranian prisons reveals an increasing demand for tattoos among inmates.

Alongside the rising trend of tattooing, there is a noticeable increase in the desire for Islamic-themed tattoos.

Tattoo artists across different cities of Iran interviewed for this report confirm this trend.

They note a significant surge in clients seeking Islamic tattoos over the past five years, prompting some artists to compile albums of religious symbols for their designs.

Additionally, there are reports of a group called "religious tattooists" emerging in response to this demand, even including artists who do not specialize in Islamic tattoos themselves.

The surge in interest in Islamic tattoos is not unique to Iran; this trend is also on the rise in other Islamic countries.

Although statistical data on this increase is lacking, anecdotal reports suggest a growing curiosity about this phenomenon.

Johnson Duggan, who conducted a study on tattoos in Afghanistan, suggests that Islamic tattoos serve as a means for individuals to reclaim their bodies, foster friendships, and deepen their relationship with God.

For Muslims, tattoos can serve as a form of healing and a medium for expressing commitment to their faith.

While the Qur'an does not explicitly address the topic of tattoos, differing viewpoints exist within the Islamic world regarding their permissibility.

In Sunni-majority regions, some believe that tattoos are prohibited, citing a hadith or quote in which the Prophet of Islam cursed both women who get tattoos and those who perform the tattooing, attributing this prohibition to the alteration of one's creation, as mentioned in the hadith.

This perspective holds considerable sway in Sunni Islamic countries and has even led to the proliferation of underground tattooing, as evidenced by research conducted in places like Indonesia.

Conversely, among Shia jurists, such a prohibition is not widespread.

Many Shia jurists consider tattooing to be permissible. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, for instance, addressed this issue in response to a query, stating, "Tattooing is not haram if it does not promote non-Islamic culture."

Nevertheless, some jurists within the Shia community argue against tattooing the holy names of the Ahl al-Bayt - the family members of Islam's prophet - considering it forbidden.

According to Iranian laws, tattooing itself is not deemed illegal. However, the act may be considered unlawful if perceived to contravene societal norms or encourage behaviors deemed forbidden.

In such cases, law enforcement authorities have the discretion to treat tattooing as a criminal offense.

The legal basis for this approach is Article 638 of the Islamic Penal Code, which stipulates penalties for public displays of behavior deemed to be in violation of moral standards or public modesty. This includes actions perceived as encouraging forbidden acts or offending public sensibilities.

In 2018, Ali Salman Nejad, the head of Men's Barber Shops Chamber, declared tattooing illegal.

Consequently, many tattoo artists refrain from operating officially through recognized channels. Instead, they carry out their work discreetly at home without official approval from guilds or chambers.

When comparing the legal and religious status of tattoos in Iran, it becomes apparent that tattooing exists in a state of ambiguity.

While it may not be officially recognized under the law, it is deemed permissible according to Sharia.

"Our work is conducted discreetly, often hidden from public view. Authorities are aware of our operations, but as long as we maintain a low profile, they typically do not intervene," a tattoo artist told IranWire.

Islamic tattoos are not only popular among Shias in Iran but also among Shias in Arab-speaking countries.

The American media first took notice of this trend during the early days of America's involvement in Iraq.

Subsequently, reports emerged during the Syrian war, revealing that many Shia soldiers bore the number 313 tattooed on their bodies.

By inscribing this number, these soldiers identified themselves as part of the 313 companions of Imam Zaman -- the 12th Imam of Shia Islam.

Such tattoos are prevalent among members of the Resistance Front, spanning from Baghdad to Beirut.

While war serves as a common theme for tattoo artists in Iraq, with some even tattooing the faces of martyrs, Iranian tattoo culture differs in this aspect.

In Iran, depictions of martyrs are rarely found on bodies. Instead, some Iranians opt for tattoos of Ali, although such instances are relatively uncommon.

"Those seeking religious tattoos tend to keep it minimal, often opting for single-word names like Ali and Hossein, with some incorporating symbols onto their arms," says Sajjad, a tattoo artist in Tehran.

This observation suggests that in Iran, Islamic tattoos may not primarily serve as a means of remembrance; instead, abstract concepts and words hold greater significance for individuals.

However, tattooing the face of a martyr can be interpreted as a means of commemorating their memory.

Another distinguishing factor regarding tattoos between Shias in Iran and Arab countries is the placement of tattoos.

Reports indicate that Shias outside Iran display tattoos across various parts of their bodies, whereas Iranians tend to confine them to the arms and neck.

"Some individuals prefer their tattoos to be visible, while others prefer them to be concealed, depending on their personal preferences and family background," Sajjad emphasizes.

Even though many devotees of Ahl al-Bayt who adorn their bodies with tattooed names seek to display their faith proudly, the prevailing political climate in Iran appears discouraging to the public visibility of such imagery.

Iranian news agencies rarely showcase such designs and even the Islamic Republic's state TV refrains from featuring tattooed individuals.

On numerous occasions, authorities within the Islamic Republic, particularly in sports, have mandated athletes to conceal their tattoos during official competitions.

However, in Arab countries, Shias do not encounter such restrictions.

The prevalence of names like Ali and Hussain, along with associated symbols, such as a sword, a broken jar, or a hand, serve as expressions of faith for these individuals.

Yet, many hesitate to undergo tattooing.

Tattoo artists recount numerous instances where individuals, after consultation and consideration of societal perceptions, decided against getting an Islamic tattoo.

Despite reports indicating a breakdown in the stigma surrounding tattoos, particularly around concealment, social pressures against tattoos remain high within religious circles.

In this regard, Haji recounts his own experience, stating, "I faced resistance from my family after getting a tattoo on my neck.

"For months, I avoided social gatherings and even resorted to wearing a scarf in the neighborhood.

"However, I chose to bear the tattoo as a testament to my beliefs and to pave my own path in life."

Beyond societal attitudes towards tattoos, tattoo artists assert that tattoos serve as a form of self-expression and can offer emotional relief to individuals, regardless of their religious significance.

"They label us as criminals, which is untrue. In Iran, tattoos are often misunderstood due to negative perceptions," says Kaveh, a tattoo artist.

"Tattoos are primarily a form of beautification, helping individuals cover imperfections or scars. Whether it's an amputated limb or a birthmark, tattoos offer solace to those seeking aesthetic enhancement," he adds.