'Un-Islamic' horoscopes illegal

2006-10-08 22:28

Riyadh - Saudi Arabia's powerful Muslim clergy warned on Sunday that the horoscopes that form an increasingly popular part of the kingdom's media output are un-Islamic and against the law.

"Certain newspapers and magazines have adopted the practice of carrying articles on astrology with catchy headlines which trick those who are unaware that astrology, horoscopes and fortune-telling are forbidden," said a statement from the kingdom's Committee of Muslim Scholars.

"Certain satellite television channels have also grown accustomed to broadcasting programmes on astrology and fortune-telling," said the statement carried by Saudi dailies.

"All such practices are forbidden as they are a form of magic ... that claims to see the unseen world."

Oil-rich Saudi Arabia has huge influence over the Arab world's media.

The leading Arabic dailies Al-Hayat and Asharq Al-Awsat are both Saudi-owned and the Dubai-based satellite channel Al-Arabiya is partly Saudi-owned.

- AFP