"The Messenger of Allah cursed the woman who tattoos and the one tattooed, the woman who fixed hair extensions and the one who had her hair get extended, the consumer of Riba and the one who pays it, and Al-Muhallil and Al-Muhallal Lahu."
Hadith Commentary: The Book of Divorce
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i (3416) contains profound warnings against several major sins that corrupt society and violate Islamic principles.
The Prohibition of Tattooing
The curse upon both the tattoo artist and recipient indicates the gravity of permanently altering Allah's creation. Scholars explain this violates the natural disposition (fitrah) and constitutes deception by artificially changing appearance.
Hair Extensions Condemnation
This prohibition applies to adding false hair to natural hair. Scholars clarify this is forbidden because it constitutes deception and alters Allah's creation unnecessarily, similar to tattooing.
Riba (Usury) Prohibition
The curse extends to both parties in usurious transactions, emphasizing that Islamic finance requires equitable exchange. Scholars note this comprehensive condemnation removes any justification for participating in interest-based transactions.
Al-Muhallil Marriage
This refers to the prohibited practice where a man marries a divorced woman with the intention of divorcing her so she can return to her former husband. Scholars consider this a grave deception that makes mockery of Islamic divorce laws.
Scholarly Consensus
Classical commentators like Imam Nawawi and Ibn Hajar affirm these prohibitions remain binding. The collective curse demonstrates these acts violate fundamental Islamic principles regarding honesty, purity of transactions, and sanctity of marriage.