Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce prohibits writing the name of God on bags and packaging
The Ministry of Commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a firm and urgent directive to all commercial establishments and markets, stressing the need to fully comply with not using or printing the name of God and the beautiful names of God on products and tools that are subject to disrespect, such as plastic bags, paper wrappers, and boxes intended for disposal after use.
Details of the guidance and legitimate objective
In its circular addressed to chambers of commerce across the Kingdom, the Ministry explained that this measure stems from a desire to glorify God's sacred symbols and respect the sanctity of His names and attributes. It noted that placing these blessed names on shopping bags or food packaging, which often end up in trash bins or discarded on the streets, constitutes a form of disrespect that contradicts Islamic values and the established customs of the country.
The context of the decision and its religious and social dimensions
This move by the Ministry of Commerce is not an isolated event, but rather part of the ongoing policies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which adopts Islamic Sharia as its constitution and guiding principle. As the heart of the Muslim world and the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom places great importance on protecting religious symbols from any practices that might infringe upon their sanctity, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This decision reflects the official authorities' commitment to upholding Islamic identity in daily commercial transactions and ensuring that economic development and trade openness do not come at the expense of religious principles.
Control measures and expected penalties
In implementing this directive, the Ministry called upon all chambers of commerce to urgently circulate this decision to all their members, including merchants, manufacturers, and importers. The Ministry emphasized that it will not limit itself to issuing warnings, but that its inspection teams will conduct intensive inspection tours of all markets, shopping centers, and warehouses to identify any violations.
The ministry emphasized that it will take all necessary and strict legal measures against any establishment found to be in violation of this directive, in order to ensure that Saudi markets are free from any practices that might offend religious sensibilities or diminish the reverence due to the name of God. This warning places companies and brand designers under the responsibility of reviewing their designs and product packaging to ensure their compliance with regulations and public taste in the Kingdom.
