The recent public admission by social media influencer Iman Kamil regarding the permanent tattoo on his left arm has sparked a significant debate on religious compliance and personal conduct. Addressing the issue from a Syariah perspective, Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Izhar Ariff Kashim, a lecturer at the Centre for Syariah Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), has clarified that the act of tattooing is considered haram (forbidden) and a sin in Islam. He emphasised that individuals who have tattoos are religiously obligated to remove them as part of the repentance process.
In a detailed statement shared on his Instagram account, Dr Mohd Izhar explained that personal sins are private matters that should not be publicised to the masses, much less permanently manifested on one’s body. He stressed that regardless of the reasons or life struggles cited, getting a tattoo remains a forbidden act. The expert further advised that individuals facing mental distress or life trials should seek professional help from doctors or psychiatrists to treat their underlying issues rather than resorting to actions that go against religious teachings.
Regarding the removal of tattoos, Dr Mohd Izhar stated that if an individual has the financial means, it is mandatory to undergo proper medical treatment to erase the ink once they have repented. He noted that modern procedures performed by specialists are the appropriate route for this rectification. However, Islam also recognises the constraints of those who may lack the immediate funds for such expensive treatments. In these cases, their inability is accepted as an excuse for the time being, though they are still encouraged to save money specifically for the purpose of removing the tattoo in the future.
The academician also warned against the cycle of sin and waste, noting that avoiding tattoos altogether is the safest way to prevent religious condemnation and the unnecessary financial burden of removal treatments. He highlighted that the resources spent on such procedures after repentance could be seen as a preventable loss. Dr Mohd Izhar’s guidance serves as a reminder to the Muslim community that while the path to repentance is always open, the physical evidence of past mistakes should ideally be cleared to align with religious standards of modesty and purity.
This religious clarification follows Iman Kamil’s viral video, in which the YouTuber explained that his tattoo was a reflection of his life story and personal hardships. Iman had claimed that he chose to be transparent about the ink to avoid repeated questioning from the public and those who know him personally. Despite the influencer’s explanation that his struggles were the primary driver behind his actions, religious experts maintain that adherence to Syariah principles remains paramount for followers of the faith.
