The Ministry of Commerce prohibits printing the names of God on bags and packaging

The Saudi Ministry of Commerce has issued a firm directive to all commercial establishments, markets, and factories, prohibiting the printing or writing of the "Beautiful Names of God" or Quranic verses on plastic and paper bags and containers used for packaging goods. This decision is based on higher orders aimed at protecting the name of God and sacred texts from disrespect, given that these containers often end up in the trash after use.

This intensified monitoring effort came in response to official directives issued by His Royal Highness the Minister of the Interior, which noted a recent and significant increase in the practice of inscribing sacred phrases and the names and attributes of God on packaging and consumer goods. The relevant authorities considered this behavior a blatant violation of the sanctity of these names and an infringement upon their inviolability, which must be preserved in all daily interactions.

Legal reference and fatwas

The government directives were based directly on religious edicts (fatwas) issued by the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta in the Kingdom. These fatwas definitively prohibited the placement of God's names and attributes, or Quranic verses, in any location that might expose them to disrespect or desecration, such as newspapers used as food mats or garbage bags. The fatwas also emphasized the necessity of venerating God's symbols in all commercial and industrial practices, considering this an integral part of the identity of the Muslim community.

well-established historical and organizational context

This decision is not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather a reaffirmation of longstanding policies pursued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for decades to protect religious sanctities. The Chambers of Commerce reiterated the historic royal decrees issued in 1407 AH and 1415 AH, which established the principle of "preventive prohibition" against any practices that might lead to the desecration of religious texts. This reminder reflects the state's continued commitment to enshrining Islamic values ​​in commercial regulations and underscores that respect for religious identity is a red line that cannot be compromised, regardless of marketing or industrial developments.

Immediate action and private sector responsibility

In implementing this decision, the Ministry of Commerce, through the Federation of Saudi Chambers, issued strict instructions mandating the immediate removal of any existing printing that violates this directive. The Ministry warned stores and factories against continuing to print Quranic verses or the name of God on perishable consumer goods.

The Chambers of Commerce intervened in the crisis, extending this ban to all their members, including merchants and manufacturers. They emphasized that compliance with these regulations is not optional but a religious and legal obligation requiring immediate implementation to avoid legal repercussions. They urged business owners to immediately review their packaging designs and adopt marketing alternatives that respect public taste and Islamic principles, thus preserving Islamic values ​​and ensuring the legal standing of their establishments.