Saudi grand mufti terms Twitter ‘source of all evil’

Published October 21, 2014
Saudi grand mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh. – AFP Photo/File
Saudi grand mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh. – AFP Photo/File

RIYADH: Twitter is nothing more than “a source of lies” and evil, Saudi Arabia's top Muslim cleric said, in comments that sparked lively debate Tuesday on the microblogging site.

“If it were used correctly, it could be of real benefit, but unfortunately it's exploited for trivial matters,” Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh said on his “Fatwa” television show broadcast late Monday.

Twitter is “the source of all evil and devastation”, the mufti said.

“People are rushing to it thinking it's a source of credible information but it's a source of lies and falsehood.”

The social media platform is popular among both men and women in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia, where some supported the mufti's views but many others objected.

“This is why I will repent, and close my account to distance myself from this great evil,” one Twitter user wrote with apparent sarcasm.

“Respected sheikh, how can you judge something without using it?” another post asked.

But a supporter of the sheikh wrote: “I swear the mufti has spoken the truth; the evils of Twitter are many.”

Saudi Arabia adopts a strict version of Islam, including a segregation of the sexes, that influences all aspects of life in the Gulf kingdom.

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...