Tattoos, Trends & Truth: The Case of Rajab But and the Message We’re Sending

In an age of hyper-visibility, where influencers shape culture faster than books, schools, or even religious teachings can, every action taken by a public figure is magnified — and multiplied. Pakistani social media figure Rajab But recently had his mother’s name tattooed on his body. What followed was a wave of admiration, praise, and emotional support from fans who saw it as a touching act of love.

But in the middle of this emotional flood, one crucial question got drowned: Is this act aligned with Islamic teachings? And more importantly, what message does it send to our already confused society?

This is not about condemning Rajab But as an individual. This is not about hate or cancel culture. This is about a larger conversation that we, as an Ummah, must have — about influence, Islam, and the invisible lines we’re starting to cross without realizing.

Tattoos and Islam: What’s the Verdict?

Let’s begin with clarity.

In Islam, tattoos are explicitly prohibited. The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is very clear:

“Allah has cursed those who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5943

This prohibition is not a matter of scholarly debate. It’s rooted in the principle that the human body is an Amanah — a trust — from Allah, and altering it permanently without necessity is not just discouraged, it’s forbidden.

The logic behind this is not just spiritual but psychological. Tattoos are often associated with personal expression, rebellion, or identity. While some may argue that tattooing a parent’s name is an act of love, Islam teaches us that love must be expressed within the boundaries set by the Creator.

Intentions vs. Impact

It’s important to acknowledge Rajab But’s intention. He did not get a tattoo to be provocative or rebellious — at least not outwardly. He said it was for his mother — an emotional gesture meant to immortalize love.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: influence isn’t just about what you intend — it’s about what others receive.

When a public figure, especially someone who has a massive youth following, makes such a personal choice publicly, it ceases to remain personal. It becomes a statement, a trend, a silent approval for others to follow. And when that figure also expresses reverence for Hazrat Ali (A.S), one of the most pious and disciplined figures in Islamic history, the contrast becomes even more problematic.

Would Hazrat Ali (A.S) approve of such an act? Would he ever have needed ink to show love?

No. He showed love by living it. Through service, respect, patience, and unwavering obedience to Allah — not through trends borrowed from Western cultures.

Cultural Drift: Where Are We Heading?

We are living in a time where the lines between Islamic identity and Western influence are becoming dangerously blurry. Tattoos, music videos with Islamic references, hijab mixed with fashion shows, Ramadan-themed makeup collections — the list goes on.

What we’re witnessing is not just harmless creativity — it’s a shift in values. A shift in how we express faith. A shift in what we normalize.

Rajab But’s tattoo is just one example in a growing sea of symbolic acts that look innocent, even sweet, but are rooted in a culture of individualism, emotional expression, and visual validation — values that often stand in direct contradiction to Islamic principles of humility, obedience, and submission.

And we must ask: Where is this culture taking us?

Youth and Role Models: The Silent Shaping of Minds

Today’s youth don’t just watch videos — they internalize them. They don’t just follow influencers — they absorb their habits, speech, fashion, and choices. Subconsciously, they start redefining what is acceptable, what is admirable, and what is Islamic — based not on scholars or Qur’anic teachings, but based on what gets likes, shares, and applause.

So when someone like Rajab But — known for expressing love for Hazrat Ali (A.S) and emotional Islamic poetry — makes a move that directly contradicts the teachings of Islam, it sends a dangerously mixed message.

It says: “You can love Islam, while disobeying it — and still be celebrated.”

That is not just confusing. That is damaging.

Love Without Limits? Islam Says Otherwise

Islam never discouraged emotion. In fact, it is a religion of deep emotion — love for parents, for the Prophet (PBUH), for the poor, for Allah.

But Islam disciplines emotion. It gives it structure.

You don’t show love to your mother by getting a tattoo. You show it by serving her, honoring her in speech, making dua for her, caring for her in old age, and ensuring your actions bring her rewards in the Hereafter.

Our generation is becoming obsessed with symbolic love and forgetting the substance of love.

Getting a tattoo might win you online claps — but it won’t win Allah’s pleasure. And if that’s not the goal, then what are we really living for?

The Hypocrisy of “Only God Can Judge Me”

Whenever such actions are criticized, the default defense becomes: “Only Allah can judge me.”

Yes, Allah is the ultimate Judge. But He has also given us a Deen — a framework to live by, a clear distinction between Halal and Haram, right and wrong.

When public acts are made in public spaces, they invite public discussion. That’s not judgment — that’s accountability. That’s how communities survive. That’s how we preserve what’s sacred.

Silence in the face of deviation is not compassion — it’s cowardice.

Hazrat Ali (A.S): The Standard We’re Ignoring

It is deeply troubling to see people invoke the names of Hazrat Ali (A.S), Imam Hussain (A.S), and other members of the Ahlul Bayt while openly violating the teachings they lived and died for.

Hazrat Ali (A.S) stood for truth, simplicity, sacrifice, and complete submission to Allah’s will. He didn’t follow trends. He didn’t seek popularity. He didn’t mix truth with falsehood.

He once said:

“Do not be a slave to others when Allah has created you free.”
— Nahj al-Balagha

Today, we have become slaves — not to men, but to culture, clout, and claps.

If you truly love Hazrat Ali (A.S), then reflect him not in poetry or tattoos — but in your conduct, your choices, your humility, and your submission to Allah.

What Can Be Done?

We are not here just to criticize. We are here to reclaim. To redirect. To remind.

Educate before we celebrate.

Before admiring a public figure’s act, ask: Is this in line with Islam?

Demand responsibility from influencers.

If you carry the image of Islam, you also carry the weight of its expectations.

Strengthen our youth with real role models.

Teach them about the lives of the Prophets, Sahaba, and Ahlul Bayt…