Washington: American Defense Minister Pete Hegseth has come into controversy due to one of his tattoos. Due to this, people in Muslim countries have enraged. However, Islamic countries have not officially said anything on this. Actually, pictures related to a military training were revealed in Pearl Harbor. In this, a tattoo is made in Arabic language on the hands of the American Defense Minister, which means 'Kafir'. With this tattoo, 'Deus Vult' is also written, which means 'God's wish' and historically it is associated with the first crusade. This was the cause of dispute in November last year. But his new tattoo has brought him to the center of controversies. Some people consider Hegseth's tattoo as a sign of hostility towards Muslims.

Islamic scholar Abdullah al -Andalusi explains that the word in the Quran refers to someone who rejects 'mistrust' or 'rejects true faith'. Writer and partner of the Cato Institute, Mustafa Akiol, wrote in a 2019 article, “Kafirs are seen as an enemy of Islam and Muslims.” Critics argue that next to it is the 'Deus Vult' tattoo, historically associated with the first crusade and it gives the message of enmity towards Muslims.

Hegseth just got a kafir (كافر) tattoo under his deus vult tattoo – a crusader slogan. This isn't just a personal choice; It's a clear symbol of islamophobia from the man overseeing us wars.

“Kafir” has been weaponized by far-right islamophobes to mock and vilify Muslims. It's… https://t.co/pjpmvoszni

– Nerdeen kiswani (@nerdeenkiswani) March 26, 2025