Saudi-Kuwait controversy over PUBG, resentment of idol worship among Muslims
Religious controversy has erupted in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait over the new version of PUBG video games. According to Kuwait media reports, there is resentment among the Muslim community over the inclusion of ‘idol worship’ in the new version of video games.
PUBG has released a new version called ‘Mysterious Jungle Mode’ in which players are seen doing idol worship. Many religious leaders of Kuwait have issued a warning about the new version of Pabji and demanded the administration to protect children from such anti-Islamist views. Idol worship is prohibited in Islam.
Mysterious Jungle Mode has released many new features including Jungle Food, Hot Air Balloons, but the controversy has started with ‘Totems’. Totems are powerful statues in video games and by worshiping them the player can become healthy again and get many things like energy drink, health kit. All Muslims playing PUBG are opposing this new version. Even many people are expressing their anger by burning totems in the game.
Dr. Basam Al Shatti, a professor at Sharia College at Kuwait University, told Gulf News, video games can have many good and bad aspects, but PUBG has violated Islamic beliefs through idolatry and is the biggest sin in Islam . In Islam, the head is bowed down only in the worship of the mighty Allah.
Dr. Rashid Al Alimi, Professor of Basic Education College, said that this game is dangerous for Muslims because they will create generations that will have no idea about the principles that insult Tawheed or Islam. Islam believes in monotheism. Allah is the creator and protector of this world.
Dr. Basam said, this game favorite of millions of children and youth is not just entertainment but it is dangerous because it teaches polytheism, they will play it first and then get used to it.
Dr. Araf bin Suhaimi, Professor of Fundamental Religion at the Islamic University of Saudi Arabia, told Gulf News, Islam teaches things like tolerance, balance, reform, equality and consent and encourages everything that is in the middle path in the interest of the people. Games like shooting, swimming, horse riding are allowed in Sharia but there are some games which are banned. Like – gambling.
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Professor Suhaimi said, in video games, there are restrictions on the law or anti-religious things. Since idol worship is banned in Islam, the new version of PUBG game is controversial.
