The influential religious leader who banned Pokemon and chess in Saudi Arabia
In short: From banning trading cards to declaring certain statues a sin, the late Grand Mufti Abdulaziz Al Sheikh wielded immense religious authority. His fatwas shaped Saudi social life, sparking international debate over everything from religious tolerance to the legality of modern games and even marriage ages.
Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, who served as the third Grand Mutschaft of Saudi Arabia from 1999 until 2025, was a central figure in the kingdom's religious landscape. Born in Mecca in 1943, Al Sheikh's life was marked by significant personal and professional shifts, including losing his sight at age 20 in 1963. As head of the Council of Senior Religious Scholars, his legal opinions, or fatwas, carried profound weight in both domestic and international spheres.
His rulings often targeted modern cultural elements. In 2001, he banned Pokemon products, citing concerns that the cards featured symbols linked to Zionism, Christianity, and Freemasonry. He also prohibited the game of chess in 2016, labeling it a waste of resources that could lead to gambling and social enmity. Conversely, his influence extended to more controversial social stances, such as his 2012 fatwa suggesting that ten-year-old girls could be ready for marriage based on traditional upbringing.
Al Sheikh's tenure was also defined by intense geopolitical and social friction. He faced global criticism for a 2012 declaration calling for the destruction of all churches in the Arabian Peninsula, a move condemned by religious leaders in Turkey, Germany, and Austria. However, he also used his platform to condemn the violence of groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, labeling terrorism as a threat to human civilization. His death in September 2025 marked the end of an era of significant religious governance in Saudi Arabia.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Abdulaziz Al Sheikh
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