Critics say US defense secretary’s tattoo of the word kafir, meaning ‘infidel’ or ‘non-believer’ could offend Muslims

In photos posted on Tuesday on X, the Fox News host turned US defense secretary had what appears to be a tattoo that says “kafir”, an Arabic term used within Islam to describe an unbeliever. Hegseth appears to have also had the tattoo in another Instagram photo posted in July 2024.

Some people on social media criticized Hegseth for getting a tattoo that could be considered offensive to Muslims, especially as the US military seeks to represent a diverse pool of faiths. It is estimated that upwards of 5,000 to 6,000 US military members practice Islam.

“This isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a clear symbol of Islamophobia from the man overseeing U.S. wars,” posted Nerdeen Kiswani, a pro-Palestinian activist in New York.

She added: “‘Kafir’ has been weaponized by far-right Islamophobes to mock and vilify Muslims. It’s not about his personal beliefs. It’s about how these beliefs translate into policy – how they shape military decisions, surveillance programs, and foreign interventions targeting Muslim countries.”

  • Lodespawn@aussie.zoneEnglish
    21·
    7 days ago

    So anti Muslim tattoo and a Nazi tattoo … seems like a real nice guy, also smart, making well thought out decisions, totally leadership material. He’s just oozing merit …

    • dhork@lemmy.worldEnglish
      9·
      7 days ago

      He’s just oozing merit

      No, that’s just how you smell after too much whiskey

  • Maeve@kbin.earth
    53·
    7 days ago

    If the infidel inclines to peace, incline to peace… I don’t read Arabic and different teachers take different interpretations. My understanding is the killing of infidels refers to those who swore peace then violated it, but that Muslims were free to exact reasonable tribute from those echo who broke peace, who could afford it for a time, hold them for ransom, or free the pow without condition. And that infidels who kept the peace should be left in peace.

    I’m pretty hazy on this and would appreciate current and ex- Muslims’ perspectives, if inclined to give it.