Gulf | Kuwait
Kuwait centre calls for ban on national celebrations
Kuwaiti Salafi centre claims that celebrations are a violation of religious ethics
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 11:53 February 19, 2012
Manama: A Kuwaiti Salafi centre has called for a ban on the country's national celebrations, claiming they violated religious ethics.
Kuwait this week celebrates its National Day and Liberation Day and employees have been given four days off, including the weekend, to mark the occasion.
"The so-called festivities and the accompanying concerts, dances and waste of thousands of dinars are against our religion," Fuad Al Rifai, the head of Wathakker centre, said. "Muslims celebrate only two feasts, at the end of Ramadan and the Sacrifice during the pilgrimage season. Any other festivity is totally alien and should not be upheld by Muslims," he said.
Muslims do not have to mark national occasion to show they love their country or have a high sense of patriotism, he said.
"There is no doubt about the love citizens have for their country, but the focus should be on complying with the values and ethics of the religion," Al Rifai said.
The call is likely to wade into controversy as Kuwaitis are getting ready for a long weekend of celebrations.
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