Fun with Fatwas: Saudi Imam Allegedly Issues Fatwa Against Using Alcohol as Fuel

There is a story that is roaring over the Internet that seems like a hoax. A website Adnkronos reported yesterday that Saudi imam Mohammed al-Najimi A Saudi imam has issued a fatwa or religious edict banning the use of alcohol as a fuel substitute for petrol. While I am always fascinated by fatwas, I did not run the story because it seems to me to be a hoax, even quoting a Saudi daily called “Shams.” Yet, various sites have picked up the story today.

The story qoutes the imam as saying “I warn Saudi students that live abroad not to use alcohol as a cheap substitute for petrol, because the prophet has cursed not only who drinks it but also those who use it for other purposes. The prophet has cursed whoever uses alcohol, not only for drinking but also other purposes. For this reason, I warn Saudis who live abroad and who use alcohol instead of petrol that this case is related and falls within the parameters of what the prophet said.”

Perhaps someone can confirm this as a joke. Either way, it is an interesting story that, given the wacky fatwas that have come out of Saudi Arabia, this one would appear instantly credible. I am not sure which would be more interesting, if it were true or a sham. I remain skeptical.

For the full story, click here.