Arabic Tattoo Writing

Arabic tattoo writing is one type of art form from the Middle East that has started to appear in the United States. This is due to the influx of the culture and art from this region of the world. The popularity of using Arabic phrases in the form of Arabic writing can be attributed to this influx of information much like that of Chinese characters.

The art of tattoo in the Middle East is forbidden by the religious scriptures. In despite of this restriction there are those who have a need or desire to get tattooed. Some see it as a way to allow themselves to get closer to God while others use it as a way to remember some great even in their life unlike other cultures who have used tattoos as a way to frighten those in battle like those found with the Aztec’s of Mexico and Peru, the Samoan’s and ancient Chinese. Tattooing was also used as a rite of passage.

Those that would go against the teachings do so after great thought and reflection on the consequences that may accompany such an act. These few do so for a few reasons:

• A perceived closer connection to God
• Inspiration for oneself through scripture
• Personal significance

Arabic tattoo writing is beautiful artwork that is intricately done, yet remains simplistic. This style of tattoo art is gaining popularity throughout the western world contributed to the fact that more people are beginning to take interest in the culture and society of the Middle East.

Henna art on the foot

Henna art on the hand

Many women in the Middle East will spend hours with an artist having intricate scroll work that infuses Arabic writing, tattooed over their feet using henna. Henna is a type of tattoo work that uses ink made out of herbs and oil. The henna ink is only semi-permanent, but the application process is painless.

Over the course of their lives, getting tattoos is a way to show appreciation for one's culture. The Middle East is filled with many ceremonies that hold a strong symbolic meaning to its people. To allow themselves to gain enlightenment or a higher awareness, tattoos imprint the most important elements of the scriptures or rites on to their skin so they never forget.

Religious sects use tattooing as a means to identify themselves to each other. These specific tattoos hold some meaning within the religion itself. The tattoos will generally consist of one or more symbols intertwined into one graphic pictorial. Like Japanese writing, Middle Eastern characters combined to form one symbol will take on a new meaning, which will have a strong significance to the subject.

Belly dancing is a culture or folk dance performed in the Middle East, Asia and parts of Africa for a millennium. The dance itself has religious significance and has been considered a “birthing” ritual. Tattoo work, like that found in wedding practices, is placed on the feet and the hands. As the dancer moves and undulates the ink gives the appearance of movement that adds to the symbolism of the dance.

Some who are discovering their heritage and learning about the Muslim faith are beginning to understand the significance of the words behind Arabic writing. As a Muslim, they shed their “mortal” shell in order to get closer to Allah. They do this by losing their birth names and taking on a new one, chosen by their religious leader. Some follows who have taken this leap of change get their former names tattooed in Arabic on themselves.

The Arabic world is a lot closer now than it has ever been before. With it being in the news often, it allows people the chance to learn about another cultural and to see the truth behind it instead of using a select few to guide them in their opinions. Some people will take their love of the culture and transfer it to a tattoo of their favorite saying. Others simply enjoy the beauty of the Arabic script.

Many tattoo shops have added Arabic writing to their stock portfolios complete with the translation as they have done in the past with Asian characters and rune symbols.

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