The Ministry of Commerce has banned the use of the Beautiful Names of God on bags and packaging altogether

The Ministry of Commerce issued a firm and urgent directive prohibiting the use of the “Beautiful Names of God” on all types of commercial bags and containers permanently, in a step aimed at protecting these sacred names from disrespect or exposure to anything that does not befit their sanctity.

This official move came in response to repeated complaints about some commercial establishments and factories printing the Beautiful Names of God or Quranic verses containing them on product packaging and single-use plastic and paper bags. It was observed that these containers often end up in garbage bins or are discarded in the streets and trampled underfoot after the contents are consumed, which is a clear violation of the sanctity of the Divine Names and the Beautiful Names of God, which should be revered and kept free from filth.

Background of the decision and the religious and social context

This decision aligns with the Islamic identity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reinforces religious values ​​that emphasize the veneration of God's sacred symbols. It is well-established in Islamic law that God's names and attributes must be respected and protected from disrespect. Previously, fatwas and directives from senior scholars and muftis have warned against writing Quranic verses or the name of God on objects that are discarded or treated disrespectfully, in order to preserve their sanctity in the hearts of Muslims.

This directive reflects the state's regulatory authorities' keenness to integrate commercial activity with the moral and religious values ​​of society, as product promotion or packaging decoration should not lead to falling into legal prohibitions that affect the community's beliefs and principles.

The supervisory role of the Ministry of Commerce and the impact of the decision

The Ministry of Commerce has stressed to all chambers of commerce and establishments the necessity of immediate compliance with this circular, emphasizing that it will monitor the implementation of the decision through inspection tours of markets, warehouses, and factories. The Ministry is expected to take the necessary legal measures against violators who insist on printing these names on consumer packaging.

What should companies do?

Based on this decision, companies, factories, and retailers must immediately review their packaging and shopping bag designs. Any designs containing the "Names of God" must be replaced with other phrases or graphics that do not conflict with the instructions, to ensure the continuation of their operations without legal repercussions or fines. Business owners are also advised to rely on their existing visual identity and branding without including religious texts in packaging materials that are likely to be damaged or destroyed.

This measure is an important regulatory step that controls the packaging market and directs it towards practices that are more respectful of values, and it emphasizes that commercial responsibility is inseparable from social and religious responsibility in the Kingdom.