Saudi Arabia bans use of Allah’s name on disposable bags, packaging, and promotional commercial materials/Representative Image
A new directive from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce is reshaping how religious expressions appear in everyday commerce, as authorities move to prevent the sacred names of Allah from being placed on items that could be mishandled or discarded.Saudi Arabia has banned commercial establishments from printing or writing the Divine Name of Allah or any of the names of Allah on bags, packaging, and other materials that may be exposed to misuse or disrespect. The decision was announced on Monday by Abdulrahman Al Hussain, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, who said the measure is intended to protect religious sanctity and prevent any form of disrespect.Al Hussain explained that the prohibition applies to items commonly used in commercial activity, including shopping bags, product packaging, and promotional materials, particularly those designed for short term or disposable use. Such items, he noted, are often used inappropriately or thrown away, which could subject sacred names to disrespect. In a statement posted on the ministry’s official X account, Al Hussain said the ban reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to honouring and safeguarding the Divine Names of Allah. He stressed that these names hold profound religious and spiritual significance and should not be placed on objects that may be mishandled, discarded, or treated carelessly. The Ministry of Commerce reiterated that commercial establishments must refrain from using the name of Allah on bags and packaging that could be exposed to disrespect, in order to uphold their sanctity.The ministry called on chambers of commerce across the Kingdom to formally convey the directive to their members and to all commercial establishments. It also affirmed its commitment to monitoring compliance in markets throughout Saudi Arabia and confirmed that legal action will be taken against any businesses found violating the instructions.According to officials, the latest directive fits within a wider regulatory framework aimed at balancing commercial activity with cultural, religious, and social values. By restricting the use of Allah’s sacred names on materials that may be discarded or used improperly, authorities say the Kingdom is reinforcing the importance of preserving religious reverence across all areas of public and commercial life.
