Faith, Regret, and Redemption: Muslims Seek Tattoo Removal During Ramadan

A Painful Journey Towards Forgiveness

The sharp sting of the laser burns into Teguh Islean Septura’s skin, but he doesn’t flinch. The pain is nothing compared to the weight of regret he carries. The intricate tattoos covering his arms, back, and legs once symbolized rebellion, identity, and freedom. Now, they feel like a mistake—one he is desperate to erase.

Septura, a former musician, once reveled in the rock-and-roll lifestyle. He got tattooed to “look cool” on stage, a walking canvas of ink and artistry. But something changed within him. A newfound devotion to Islam stirred deep in his soul, making him see his body in a different light. He now believes that the skin God gave him was meant to remain untouched.

“As humans, we all make mistakes,” he says, wincing as the white-hot laser pulses into his flesh. “Now, I want to improve myself by moving closer to God.”

For Septura and hundreds of others, this is not just a physical transformation—it’s a spiritual rebirth.

A Second Chance in the Holy Month

Ramadan is a time of reflection, fasting, and drawing closer to faith. In Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, it is also a time of redemption. Every year, the Amil Zakat National Agency, an Islamic charity, offers free tattoo removal services to those who want to “repent.”

Launched in 2019, this program has become a lifeline for those seeking a second chance. This year, 700 people have signed up, bringing the total number of participants to nearly 3,000 since the initiative began.

“We want to pave the way for people who want to hijrah—to move closer to God,” says Mohammad Asep Wahyudi, the event’s coordinator. “Many of them don’t know where to go for safe tattoo removal, and most simply can’t afford it.”

Laser removal is a long and expensive process. Large tattoos like Septura’s can cost thousands of dollars and require multiple painful sessions. But for these individuals, the pain is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Breaking Free from Stigma and Judgment

Tattoos have long carried a stigma in Indonesia, especially in conservative communities. They are often associated with gangs, criminality, and a rebellious past.

For women, the judgment is even harsher. In many parts of Asia, a woman with a tattoo is labeled as promiscuous, disreputable, or “unworthy” of marriage. The weight of these perceptions drives many women to seek removal—not just for religious reasons, but to protect their families from shame.

Sri Indrayati, 52, remembers the excitement of getting her daughter’s name tattooed on her hand when she was 22. It was an act of love, a permanent tribute to the child she cherished. But over time, her tattoo became a source of embarrassment, especially when her grandchildren began questioning it.

“When I take my grandson to school, I hear the whispers: ‘Look at that grandma. She has a tattoo!’” she says, her voice breaking.

For some, tattoo removal is an intensely personal decision. Evalia Zadora, 36, got inked as a teenager to fit in with a gang. The words “Hope, Love, and Rock & Roll” once made her feel fearless. But now, they are a painful reminder of a past she wants to leave behind.

“People’s judgment doesn’t bother me,” she says, “but it affects my husband and son. They feel uncomfortable with my tattoos, and I respect their feelings. That’s why I want them gone.”

The Road to Redemption

The process of tattoo removal is slow and agonizing. The laser shatters the ink beneath the skin, breaking it into tiny particles that the body gradually eliminates. It takes months, sometimes years for a tattoo to completely fade. But those who undergo the treatment see it as a test of faith.

Each pulse of the laser is a step toward spiritual renewal. Every drop of sweat, every wince of pain, is a sign of commitment.

As the nights of Ramadan pass, the clinic remains filled with people seeking a fresh start. They come with stories of regret, hope, and faith—stories of transformation.

They are not just erasing ink; they are erasing the past.

And in its place, they are writing a new future—one of devotion, redemption, and peace.