Are Islamic Women Allowed to Have Piercings?

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John Green, Demand Media

According to the "Encyclopaedia of Women and Islamic Cultures," Islamic teaching in regard to women's piercings can vary across cultures and schools of interpretation. For example, the Encyclopaedia notes that some religious scholars have regarded piercing to be a forbidden imitation of non-Muslim practice, while others consider pierced ears to be allowed so long as the woman does not indulge in extravagant adornment. Piercings are also been part of coming of age ceremonies in certain areas, such as Malaysia and northern Africa. In Malaysia, for instance, the ear piercing ceremony actually perpetuates a pre-Muslim tradition, but it is now accompanied with a religious ritual that includes children reciting chapters from the Quran. [link]