Arabic Tattoos

For those seeking exotic tattoos with flowing forms and hidden meanings, Arabic tattoos may just be the answer. Although most Arabic tattoos are seen in the form of henna tattoos (temporary ink tattoos that last up to a few weeks primarily located on hands and feet), more and more Arabic designs are being requested in tattoo parlors in the western world. With Arabic writing tattoos being the most popular, translations of meaningful names and phrases offer endless possibilities to those seeking unique and personalized Arabic tattoos.

Arabic Writing Tattoos
Arabic tattoos are most often seen as words, names, phrases and scripture that have been translated into Arabic. The Arabic alphabet has twenty-eight basic letters each of which can have up to four distinct forms, based on its location within a word: initial (at the start of a word or in the middle of a word following a non-connecting letter), medial (between two letters that connect), final (at the end of a word following a connecting letter) and isolated (used independently or at the end of a word following a non-connecting letter). Many of these letters may look the same, however, one or multiple dots above or below the center of each letter’s form makes them different. Similarly, shapes will change to enable each letter to connect to the letters before and after them. With this creative script being cursive, Arabic writing tattoos appear as exotic works of art with flowing lines and graphic details.

Hand of Fatima Arabic Tattoos
The Hand of Fatima is symbolic of Fatima Zahara, the fifth and favorite daughter of Mohammad. This symbol, also known as the khamsa hand, is a five-fingered hand that is thought to bring good fortune and to ward off the “evil eye.” One variation, the “eye-in-hand,” features an eye in the center of the palm. The Hand of Fatima is so popular that it is regularly seen throughout the fashion industry in the form of charms and jewelry as well as meaningful body art.

Celebrities with Arabic Tattoos
Arabic tattoos continue to make their way into Hollywood among today’s hottest movie stars, models and musicians. Here are a few star personalities who bare Arabic tattoos of their own:

ANGELINA JOLIE / Actress: Arabic writing tattoo “strength of will” on right forearm

RHIANNA / Singer: Arabic writing tattoo on left side of torso

KIM RYDER / Singer: Arabic writing tattoos on shoulders