What is the ruling on leaving a tattoo on the body after finding out that it is haraam? Also what about leaving a gold tooth which a Muslim had done when he was unaware (of the ruling), but if he has it removed after knowing that it is haraam, it will leave a gap in his mouth?
Praise be to Allah.Please note that tattoos on the body are
haraam, because it was reported that the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the one who makes
hair extensions and the one who asks for that to be done, and the one
who does tattoos and the one who asks for them to be done. If a Muslim
does that when he is unaware of the fact that it is haraam, or that
is done to him when he is a child, then he has to remove it when he
comes to know that it is haraam. But if removing it is too difficult
or will cause him harm, then it is sufficient for him to repent and
seek forgiveness, and it will not matter if he leaves the mark on his
body. With regard to having a gold tooth fitted when it is not needed,
this is not permissible, because gold is haraam for men, unless there
it is necessary for some valid reason. I understood from your question
that you did that for the purpose of beautification, so you have to
remove it. You can have it replaced with something else that is made
of permissible material, other than gold. May Allaah help us all to
do that which pleases Him. Wa’l-salaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmat-Allaah wa
barakaatuhu.