Controversy Erupts Over Egyptian Artist’s Atheist Tattoo

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Donia Massoud

A singer in Egypt managed to upset her fans back home and around the world after a photo emerged on social media of her bare back displaying a tattoo that implies she might be an atheist. Donia Massoud’s tattoo, which reads, “My heart’s feud is with God,” instantaneously raised brows in Egypt’s conservative society where religious beliefs continue to be old school and atheism is outlawed.

While the controversial photograph was first posted by Massoud herself on her Facebook page in February this year, it reemerged last month on another page that carries news from the world of Arabic underground music. Considering Massoud’s Facebook page had less than 10,000 followers at the time, in all probability this story would have moved no further. Yet, everything was blown out of proportion after Egyptian television host Tamer Amin decided to dedicate three long minutes of his live show Min El Akher to introducing Massoud, interpreting her tattoo and maligning her for apparently denouncing her faith.

After adding much drama to a rather insignificant situation, Amin went on to say, “Even though I reject what she has done, she is free,” which clearly contradicted his frequent claim that he supports every person’s freedom of choice, speech and expression. To worsen his own image, every time Amin read through Massoud’s tattoo, he paused for a moment to pray to God and seek forgiveness for uttering the damned words. 

Amin’s spotlight on Massoud’s tattoo, even though he failed to get her name right, referring to her as Dina instead of Donia, was enough to stir a controversy over the singer’s personal choices and direct mass anger towards the artist, who currently resides in France. 

“Signs of apocalypse are clear, and the world has become a chaos. Atheism is increasing, and even trending. Shame on you Donia Massoud, and all of those who similar to you,” read one angry tweet.

While many people reacted to the situation in a vile manner, others attempted to intervene with some rationality.

“Donia Massoud’s tattoo has gained more popularity than she personally has. Enough with the blabber already, we know she announced her atheism,” read another tweet.

Amidst all the hullabaloo, only one person’s tweet went on to prove how ignorant the others’ were.

“‘My heart’s feud is with God.’ A verse of poetry written by the Prince of Refusers Amal Donqul, and does not connote any insult for religious beliefs,” he informed.

Making Amin appear like he had forgotten chunks of his research homework before going on air to bully an upcoming singer, the artist responded to the entire fiasco with a rather witty tweet on her personal account.

Photo Credits: Ahram Online

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