Technicolor Quran gets mixed reviews in Saudi Arabia

The traditional monochromatic Quran has been given a lease of life in Technicolor with the introduction of the “Barbie Quran Barbie” – a colorful, jasmine scented version of the holy book of Islam.

Copies have been sold in the Saudi markets as well as a few other GCC markets, but was quick to face criticism.

Despite it being marketed as way to entice children into reading the Quran, many Islamic figureheads denounced the product, deeming it a “manipulation of the Holy Quran” and that adding scent aside color does not alter the essence of the Quran, which “will continue to have the same sanctity in the hearts of Muslims”.

Imams and sheikhs expressed their outrage on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, saying that such “tampering” of the Quran is unnecessary, and the original format of the Quran should be maintained and respected.

SSaudi sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Barrak not only called for the colorful Quran to be banned, but advised that “anyone who has a copy already should burn it.”

For his part, the Director General of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Mohammed Amin al-Khatri said that the body is working with King Fahad printing press to cease copies and work on “damage-control”.

“There are strict instructions to all observers, imams and officials, whether in mosques or other, not to accept any printed copies of the Koran only in the King Fahad printing press,” Khatri said.

However, the novelty Quran has already observed a large turnout amongst the female demographic, with one tweeter saying that some of the copies purchased are actually distributed as charity to neighbors.