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Arabia
Saudi clerics declare football un-Islamic
2005-08-29
(Thanks to LGF)
LAHORE: Ulema in Saudia Arabia have issued a fatwa (religious decree) declaring football an un-Islamic sport, and have urged the youth to quit it immediately, BBC radio reported on Saturday. I think they're talking about Soccer.

According to the report, the clerics urged the youth to volunteer for peace corps and other charitable groups, pursue extra-curricular education in arts and culture, study abroad, join a model U.N. club... indulge in jihad and other constructive activities that could help the Muslim ummah, the radio reported. The ulema argued that football wastes a lot of time outdoors getting exercise, engaging healthy competition and occasionally having fun and the participants wear shorts, which they said was an un-Islamic dress, the radio reported.

Following the decree, some players of the famous Taif Football Club have quit the game, the report added.
Insanity sometimes is contagious. These Imams are the vectors for the spread of an epidemic that threatens the whole globe.
Posted by:Abd Al-Sabour Shahin

#9  Following the decree, some players of the famous Taif Football Club have quit the game, the report added.

They did more than that. From Rantburg's archives few days ago: Fatwa told football players to join al-Qaeda
The decision of three footballers from a team in the Saudi city of Taif near Mecca to join al-Qaeda was prompted by a fatwa, or religious edict, condemning the game, the Saudi newspaper Al-Watan reports. Earlier this week the paper interviewed the captain of the team and father of one of the footballers, who was arrested while trying to carry out a suicide attack. Now Majid Sawat, Tamer Al-Thamali and Dayf Allah Al-Harithi's team-mates have revealed that the three were influenced by the fatwa, which banned Muslims from playing. Sawat's father confirmed that he is currently being held in Mosul prison. However, his two companions, Tamer al-Thamali and Dayf Allah al-Harithi, are reported to have completed their suicide 'missions'.
Posted by: ed   2005-08-29 19:24  

#8  Taliban Utd. Beheadings at half time. Kick off toward Mecca, yellow card, 10 lashings, red card amputation.
Posted by: Wayne Bin Rooney   2005-08-29 16:27  

#7  The action does give one pause MK.
Posted by: Shipman   2005-08-29 16:13  

#6  You know your culture is screwed when a healthy competative team sport enjoyed across the globe is considered dangerous enough to be banned by religious edict.
Posted by: MunkarKat   2005-08-29 13:58  

#5  Does this also include console games or only the exercise of bodily attachments other than thumbs?
Posted by: Glavitle Slaque3075   2005-08-29 11:09  

#4  But, a camel race with a robotic jockey is Islamic.
Posted by: Poison Reverse   2005-08-29 10:00  

#3  Once they figure out Americans hate soccer too, they'll likely change their minds about this.
Posted by: Chris W.   2005-08-29 09:57  

#2  This will cause some serious unrest. Futball (Soccer) is VERY popular in the Middle East, almost as much as in latin America. More strikes against the religious establishment.
Posted by: mmurray821   2005-08-29 09:37  

#1  Islamic Tightasses for a thousand, Alex.
Posted by: tu3031   2005-08-29 09:36  

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