Muslims offended by 2010 adverts

JOHANNESBURG — Muslims have taken offence at the use of sacred Islamic texts in advertising for the 2010 World Cup.

“In particular, as advertising for the 2010 Fifa World Cup gathers momentum, there have been soccer balls bearing the national flags of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq in circulation,” the Jumiatul Ulama (Council of Muslim Theologians) said in a statement yesterday.

“These flags carry Islamic proclamations considered sacred by Muslims.

“Usage in this manner has the potential of offending adherents of the Islamic faith,” it said.

The Jumiatul Ulama said it has observed an increasing trend in the use of sacred Islamic texts in print advertising and promotional merchandise.

“Muslims handle and dispose of such sacred texts with utmost respect.

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