Tattoos and the spiritual life

[Aron]

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are about tattoos and the spiritual life. I have heard that Muhammed said that people with tattoos cannot go to heaven. But is it true? I am thinking about getting some work done.

It was narrated that Abu Juhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cursed the one who does tattoos, the one who has a tattoo done, the one who consumes riba (usury or interest) and the one who pays it, and he forbade the price of a dog and the earnings of a prostitute, and he cursed the image-makers.”  (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5032). Source: http://muslimconverts.com/cosmetics/tattoos.htm

[Jhanananda]

Interesting.  I really do not see how having a tattoo would block one from paradise (heaven).  However, I do not have tattoos, nor do I recommend them.  But, I look at it as a personal preference, and our preferences change over time.