A Muslim holy leader has prohibited the use of the Quran ringtones, according to the text of a fatwa that was obtained by Arabic news site Al Arabiya.
Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Dr. Ali Gomaa says in the fatwa that using verses from the Quran for handset ringtones undermines the sanctity of the holy text. The fatwa also applies to calls for prayer. The holy leader recommended the Quranic verses be replaced with songs or poems praising God.
According to Al Arabiya, Gomaa said: “The Quran came from God so that we can worship Him and it should be read or listened to with reverence… Picking up the phone is sure to interrupt the verse and this is disrespectful to the holy book.”
Sunni Islam institute al-Azhar plans to work with Egyptian operators to enforce Gomaa’s fatwa.