In some Arabic/Persian cultures it is considered 'haram' because it is a 'Westernized influence' and is also against their secular laws (laws made by men) as 'extreme appearances'. Biggest example is Iraq, where they regularly kill barbers and stylists for making their youth look like Euro stars or American military styles. Tattoos are also considered 'bad influence', and usually in the Middle East indicate a former criminal who served prison time (prison tats). It is one reason a fully tattoo-sleeved European or Aussie gets widely walked around by many ethnic Arabs here in Doha (because of the meaning of danger in their countries).
Strangest thing is that it doesn't mean as much to the local Qatari as it does to the others, and you will see MANY youth as well as younger males sporting 3-8 inch Mohawks while cruising the malls. But a Westerner doing it gets rude looks. Go figure. =)
In some Arabic/Persian cultures it is considered 'haram' because it is a 'Westernized influence' and is also against their secular laws (laws made by men) as 'extreme appearances'. Biggest example is Iraq, where they regularly kill barbers and stylists for making their youth look like Euro stars or American military styles. Tattoos are also considered 'bad influence', and usually in the Middle East indicate a former criminal who served prison time (prison tats). It is one reason a fully tattoo-sleeved European or Aussie gets widely walked around by many ethnic Arabs here in Doha (because of the meaning of danger in their countries).
Strangest thing is that it doesn't mean as much to the local Qatari as it does to the others, and you will see MANY youth as well as younger males sporting 3-8 inch Mohawks while cruising the malls. But a Westerner doing it gets rude looks. Go figure. =)