Saudi Grand Mufti against foreign holidays that favour vices and immorality

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh calls on Saudis to spend their holidays at home. Excessive freedom in other countries may be dangerous to their values ​​and morals. For those set to go, he admonishes to pray, fear God, and force their women to wear the veil.

Riyadh (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh slammed foreign holidays for Saudi nationals not out of concern for the kingdom’s domestic tourism, but to protect their virtues and morality.

“It is better not to go to other countries because of the excessive freedom and disregard of their people for social and moral obligations,” the mufti said answering a question from a listener during a radio show.

To those who are already abroad, he said they should work to maintain their Islamic spirit by performing prayers and adhering to other religious obligations.

“These countries have completely open social media and communication systems where everything is available online,” Al-Sheikh warned.

The mufti advised those who are still inclined to travel abroad, for whatever reason, to fear God, offer five daily prayers and stay away from what God has forbidden, like places of vice.

He also said that men should ensure that their wives and daughters wear veils and stay away from mixed gatherings.

The grand mufti criticised some Western countries that have already banned the use of veils and scarfs by Muslim women as they conflict with their own customs and traditions. In reality, many countries have only banned full face-veiling out of security considerations.

Saudi Arabia’s legal system is based on Sharia, or Islamic law, which imposes the death penalty in cases of murder, rape, drug trafficking and sorcery.

Except for Muslims, freedom of religion does not exist in the ultra-conservative Sunni Wahhabi kingdom.

Women are not allowed to drive, and must always be accompanied by a male relative when they want to leave home or the country. They cannot receive medical care without the consent of their guardian.

• saudi arabia
• holidays
• religious freedom
• grand mufti
• morality