Q: I would like your advice on the issue of Shiloukh, which is made with a straight razor on the face and is used to distinguish the people of one tribe from another. Is this Halal (lawful) or Haram (prohibited)?
A: In Arabic, this is called AlWashm (tattooing). The Prophet (peace be upon Him) forbade this and cursed those who do it. It is authentically reported in a Hadith that the Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed the taker or payer of Riba (usury/interest), and people who tattoo or get tattooed. It makes no difference whether the tattoo is on the hand, the face, or anywhere else. As regards what is past and done ignorantly, it is sufficient to make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) for it, and all praise to Allah. If it is possible to remove the tattoo without causing harm, it is obligatory that this be done. As regards the future, after a Muslim knows Allah's Ruling, it is obligatory on them to avoid what Allah forbade, and this applies to both men and women.