The Ruling on One Who Got a Tattoo Before Reaching Puberty

Question:
The listener, Umm Musa from al-Qasim, says in a message she sent: When I was a small child, some tattoo was put on my hand without me knowing its ruling. As you know, a tattoo cannot be removed. Is it lawful or forbidden? And if it is forbidden, do I owe an expiation? What is it? We ask for your guidance, may Allah reward you.

Answer:
A tattoo is not permissible. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: A tattoo is when a person inserts a needle, or a thorn, or something similar into his hand or his face. When the blood comes out, he puts in it some indigo or other substances that leave a mark on the face or the hand, altering the appearance of the face or the hand. This is a tattoo, which is changing the creation of Allah; therefore, it is not permissible. Since you did it while you were a child and before reaching puberty, you owe nothing; because of the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): If it is possible to remove the tattoo without harm, it is obligatory to remove it. Otherwise, you owe nothing, and praise be to Allah.