Tattoos Are a Sin

Within less than 24 hours of arriving in Abu Dhabi I went on assignment for my new employer. It was the last day of Ramadan and the men of Muslim faith would be gathering to pray in the yard across the street from my friend's flat.

He had planned on shooting the event in the early morning hour around 5:00 a.m. or so. He asked if I wanted to come along and shoot. Having just arrived at 7:30 p.m. and experiencing jet lag I decided it was too good to pass up, so I obliged. Not to mention what better way to get my feet wet in my new home. Right?

The morning light was beautiful as was the prayer service. I made some decent images for just getting started. After it was all over a Muslim man approached me. Our interaction went something like this...

"Brother, you know tattoos are a sin?" he asked gently.

I shrugged my shoulders in a apologetic way - as to say - sorry, what can I do my friend.

"You are Muslim, are you Muslim?" he asked with a confused look on his face.

I replied...No, I just moved here last night.

"Well, tattoos are unhealthy," he said while grabbing my hand.

Next he rubbed oil on me and walked away.

Good times!!!! Welcome to Abu Dhabi.