The Book of Adornment - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5255

"Abdullah used to say: 'May Allah curse the women who have tattoos done and Al-Mutanammisat, and have the women who have their teeth separated. Should I not curse those whom the Messenger of Allah [SAW] cursed?'"

Commentary on the Prohibition

This narration from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes the severe prohibition against three specific practices of physical alteration: tattoos (al-washm), tooth separation (al-mufallijat), and al-mutanammisat - which refers to women who seek to have tattoos removed or altered.

The curse mentioned indicates the gravity of these sins, as invoking Allah's curse is reserved for major transgressions. These practices are forbidden because they constitute altering Allah's creation without legitimate need, imitate disbelieving cultures, and involve deception by artificially enhancing beauty.

Scholarly Explanation of Terms

Al-washm (tattoos) involves inserting ink or dye under the skin to create permanent designs, which permanently alters Allah's creation.

Al-mutanammisat refers to those who seek to remove or change tattoos, indicating that both applying and removing tattoos for vain purposes is prohibited.

Al-mufallijat describes women who file their teeth to create gaps between them, a practice done for artificial beautification that damages healthy teeth.

Legal Rulings and Exceptions

The consensus of classical scholars prohibits these practices based on this and similar narrations. The prohibition applies to both men and women, though the narration specifically mentions women as they were more commonly engaged in such practices.

Exceptions exist for medical necessity, such as dental work required for health reasons, or reconstructive surgery after injury. The principle is that unnecessary alteration of Allah's creation is forbidden, while necessary treatment is permitted.