Saudi Arabia Bans Printing the Names of God on Bags, Plastic, and Paper

The Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce urged all commercial establishments to refrain from printing or writing the names of God on plastic and paper bags and containers, based on instructions from the Ministry of Commerce aimed at protecting the name of God. The instructions emphasized the need for the immediate removal of any existing printing that violates this directive, warning shops and factories against continuing to print Quranic verses or the name of God on perishable consumer goods.

The Federation of Chambers of Commerce also referred to previous circulars issued in 1407 AH and 1415 AH regarding the "preventive prohibition" of any practices that could lead to the disrespect of religious texts. The Chambers of Commerce advised business owners to immediately review their packaging designs and adopt marketing alternatives that respect public taste and Islamic principles. This comes in response to fatwas issued by the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, which definitively prohibited placing the names and attributes of God in any location that could expose them to disrespect or desecration.