#Arabic Twitter Users Bite Back Against #Saudi Cleric Who Forbade #Chess
 |
| arabianbusiness.com |
When you make any kind of declarative, sweeping statement and it ends up online, you have to expect some kind of retaliatory response, but in many cases the reaction has a delayed fuse. In December, a video went online featuring Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin-Abdullah al-Sheikh, Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, saying that chess caused 'enmity and hatred' between people, and effectively declaring it haram (forbidden), under the laws of Islam.
Said statement wasn't the focal point of the video, it was just something that came up while Abdullah was taking questions on his weekly television show, and it doesn't equate to a genuine legal ban on the game, but any statement Abdullah makes against a particular thing can still be regarded as a fatwa. Nothing really came of it at the time, but lo and behold, weeks later, the video has started circulating and people have started to register their criticisms.
News that chess is forbidden in Islam will be a major surprise to the 7th century Muslims who conquered Persia and exported chess to Europe.
— Kareem Shaheen (@kshaheen) January 21, 2016
Most of the reactions have been characteristically mocking, using the news to raise issues about other current events, or making the point that the game actually originated on Saudi Arabia's doorstep in the 7th century. Others took a more aggressive line, suggesting that Abdullah was rallying against the game because it's intelligent.
This is the kind of response that you simply would not have seen in Islam before social media rose to prominence, and it's changing the fabric of the religion for many people. Abdullah isn't the first to sanction chess, Iran's Grand Ayatollah - Ali al-Sistani, also previously denounced it, largely because it can be used to gamble, which is most certainly not allowed in Islam. Other games like backgammon and cards have also been discouraged, but still remain popular in many parts of the Middle East.
Chess events in saudi pic.twitter.com/PinPctUklQ
— Musa BinThaily (@Mousa_BinThaily) January 21, 2016
Whilst some have also spoken out online in support of Abdullah's statement, nobody is taking it particularly seriously, especially not those who are directly associated with chess in Saudi Arabia. Amidst the criticisms and mockery, Musa Bin Thaily, the secretary of the Saudi Arabian chess association, said that although the fatwa had legitimacy, it would have no effect on the planned chess tournament in Mecca. Thaily also tweeted a series of images of young Saudi chess players and previous tournaments, making the point that in the 40 years since any Muslim religious figure spoke out against chess, it has carried on without incident.
Just asked my daughter to reverse the car out while I look at some chess. Thank goodness we don't live in Saudi Arabia! #freedom
— Nigel Short (@nigelshortchess) January 20, 2016
Support for Saudi chess players also came from overseas, led by British grand-master Nigel Short. Short offered his support to young Saudi players, but also mockingly criticised the decision in a tweet which also referenced the fact that women still aren't allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia.
Callum is a film school graduate who is now making a name for himself as a journalist and content writer. His vices include flat whites and 90s hip-hop. Follow him @CallumAtSMF
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
#Arabic Twitter Users Bite Back Against #Saudi Cleric Who Forbade #Chess
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.