TikToker and YouTuber Rajab Butt has once again found himself at the centre of an online storm after getting a tattoo of his mother’s face inked on his forearm — a move that has drawn sharp criticism from both religious circles and social media users.
Butt, who is currently residing in Dubai amidst ongoing legal matters in Pakistan, revealed in a vlog that this was his second tattoo. According to the YouTuber, he took the decision as a heartfelt tribute to his mother, stating, “I love my mother the most and I always wanted to have her picture placed on my body.”
While the gesture was meant as an expression of affection, it has sparked significant backlash online, with many pointing out that tattooing is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam.
Netizens accused the influencer of spreading “misleading ideas” and promoting actions that go against Islamic teachings under the guise of love.
Interestingly, the very person whom the tattoo was meant to honour — Rajab Butt’s mother — is reportedly not pleased with her son’s decision. In a brief clip from a subsequent vlog, Butt admitted, “My mother isn’t happy about it. She asked me why I chose this way to show love. She said love should be in actions, not in tattoos.”
The revelation has only intensified the public reaction, with many social media users urging the influencer to reflect on his actions and avoid setting a questionable example for his followers. “Loving your mother is a noble act,” one user commented, “but expressing it through something clearly prohibited in religion confuses younger audiences.”
Butt attempted to deflect criticism by claiming that some ulema (Islamic scholars) had permitted tattoos, and added that others should not follow him if they disagreed. “If anyone thinks it’s not Islamic, they shouldn’t follow me,” he said.
The tattoo controversy adds to a growing list of public incidents involving the YouTuber, including his extravagant wedding, frequent online spats, and the launch of his perfume line ‘295’ — a name that also attracted attention for its political undertones.
Calls are now mounting for Butt to take a step back from social media. “This constant need for attention is doing more harm than good,” one user noted. “Sometimes, silence is more powerful than a viral video.”
