Manama: A Kuwaiti parent has asked the education minister to put an end to the display of the national anthem in schools, saying that listening to music was "haram" (religiously prohibited).
Ahmad Al Mulaifi was touring a school when classes had resumed after the summer vacation when he was approached by a parent who told him there were objections to making students listen to the music of the national anthem, Kuwaiti daily Annahar reported on Tuesday.
The father said that he did not wish his sons to listen to any kind of music, including that of the national anthem.
However, the minister said that the parent should visit him in his office to discuss any matter related to education and schools. The parent nevertheless insisted on expressing his view and did not allow the minister to move on until he heard his objections, the daily said.
Morning gathering
Schools in several Arab countries require their students to attend a morning gathering during which the national anthem is played and announcements are made.
Conservatives in several Arab countries proscribe listening to music and songs as a waste of time and an activity that distracts people from religious duties and responsibilities.
Glorifies war
In June, US media reported that Goshen College, a small liberal arts college in the US, banned the national anthem at sporting events, after some students, faculty and alumni complained the song glorifies war.
The board of the college has asked its president to come up with a song "that fits with sports tradition, that honours country and that resonates with Goshen College's core values and respects the views of diverse constituencies."
