International Desk

A fragmented video clip of remarks made by popular Pakistani scholar and speaker Mufti Tariq Masood during a visit to Japan has sparked controversy on Japanese social media. In October this year, the clip spread widely with Japanese and English translations on X (formerly Twitter), Japanese blogs and video platforms. It has caused displeasure among Japanese citizens and concern within the Muslim community living in Japan.

Who is Mufti Tariq Masood?

Mufti Tariq Masood is a Karachi-based scholar and mufti of the Deobandi tradition in Pakistan. Known for his simple language, lively delivery and humorous lectures, he is hugely popular among Muslims in Pakistan and across the subcontinent, especially among young people. Videos of his lectures have been viewed tens of millions of times on social media. His accessible discussions of everyday religious rulings, family problems and social issues have drawn many people towards the faith. At the same time, his humorous style has at times led to controversy over some of his remarks. He travels to various countries at the invitation of expatriate Muslims, and has visited Japan more than once.

What was said in the video

According to the circulated translation, while speaking about Japan's declining population at a gathering of expatriate Muslims in Japan, he remarked jokingly that if Muslim men married Japanese women, the country's demographic picture could change within a few generations. Citing the example of the ancient Greeks, he said that peoples change over time, and even quipped that Japan might one day be renamed "Japan Khan". He also noted that because Japan has no state religion, there is room there to spread the message of Islam.

These words were spoken in Urdu, in a relaxed, informal setting among expatriates. But once translated into Japanese and spread on social media, their meaning and impact took on an entirely different form.

Reaction in Japan

After the clip spread, many Japanese citizens expressed strong displeasure. Some saw it as insulting to Japan's culture, people and women. On social media, many asked why it should be assumed that Japanese women would marry foreign men. Some linked the issue to immigration policy and called for stricter measures.

It is worth noting that in recent years Japan has already seen various debates over immigration, foreign workers, and the construction of mosques and Muslim cemeteries. Against this backdrop, the clip has added a new dimension to those debates.

Concern in the Muslim community

A large proportion of Muslims living in Japan are workers, students and professionals from South and Southeast Asia, alongside Japanese converts to Islam. For a long time, they have lived peacefully, respecting local laws and culture. Many of them fear that this controversy could further inflame existing anti-Muslim sentiment in Japan, with effects on workplaces, neighbourly relations and mosque activities.

Many Muslims in Japan have expressed regret to Japanese citizens on social media. One wrote: "Mufti Sahib did not mean anything serious; he was only joking, as he often does. But we understand that such things should not be said even in jest. If anyone's feelings were hurt, we sincerely apologise on behalf of the community."

What his supporters say

Mufti Tariq Masood's admirers and supporters say the remarks were light-hearted conversation with expatriates, not a plan, conspiracy or threat. Those familiar with his lectures know that he often uses exaggerated humour to hold his audience's attention. In their view, a few seconds of footage stripped of the full lecture's context, combined with literal translation, distorted the meaning of his words. Humour translated from one language to another often leads to serious cross-cultural misunderstandings.

Notably, the clip has been spread most widely by certain accounts and websites already associated with anti-Muslim campaigning, which has raised questions about the neutrality of the translation and its presentation.

A lesson for dawah abroad

This incident is an important lesson for everyone involved in dawah abroad. In today's digital age, words spoken in a private gathering can reach every corner of the world in an instant, often without context. What is mere humour to an audience in one's own language may reach people of another culture as an insult or a threat. And the burden of a single sentence from one speaker is often borne by thousands of ordinary Muslims in that country.

Where Muslims are a minority, scholars and speakers therefore need to take extra care when they speak. Being mindful of the culture, feelings and dignity of local people is part of dawah. The call of Islam is made by winning hearts, not in the language of demographic calculation or dominance.

When Allah the Exalted sent Musa and Harun, peace be upon them, even to a tyrant like Pharaoh, He instructed them:

فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَّيِّنًا لَّعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ

"Speak to him with gentle words, so that perhaps he may take heed or fear." (Surah Ta-Ha, 20:44)

He also said:

ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ

"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good counsel." (Surah An-Nahl, 16:125)

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ

"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Ordinary Muslims have a responsibility too. Just as it is wrong to reach final conclusions about a scholar, or to speak ill of him, on the basis of a fragmented clip, it is also part of Islamic teaching to acknowledge a mistake rather than deny it. Respect for scholars and loyalty to the truth must be held together.

Abroad, every Muslim is a representative of Islam. Our words, conduct and character are the greatest introduction to Islam for others. May Allah grant us all the ability to call to His religion with wisdom.