Iran bans music (from Joe.My.God blog)

[WillParkinson]

A month after banning the ownership of pet dogs, Iran's Exalted Glorious Supreme Islamic Leader has banned the teaching or playing of music, saying it is "not compatible" with Islamic values.

In some of the most extreme comments by a senior regime figure since the 1979 revolution, Khamenei said: "Although music is halal, promoting and teaching it is not compatible with the highest values of the sacred regime of the Islamic Republic." Khamenei's comments came in response to a request for a ruling by a 21-year-old follower of his, who was thinking of starting music lessons, but wanted to know if they were acceptable according to Islam, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. "It's better that our dear youth spend their valuable time in learning science and essential and useful skills and fill their time with sport and healthy recreations instead of music," he said. Unlike other clerics in Iran, whose religious rulings are practised by their own followers, Khamenei's views are interpreted as administrative orders for the whole country, which must be obeyed by the government. Last month Khamenei issued a controversial fatwa in which he likened his leadership to that of the Prophet Muhammad and obliged all Iranians to obey his orders.

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/08/iran-bans-music.html

[derby378]

1. Does this mean clerics can no longer sing their prayers?

Geez, that would suck.

[babylonsister]

2. If true, that won't go over well at all. Iranians have

a fairly westernized culture, no? And lots of young people. No, not a great idea.

[WinkyDink]

8. All it will take is a few razor-slashed faces.

[GodlessBiker]

3. Theocracies. What do you expect? They are assholes.

[DeSwiss]

4. The more you tighten your grip, the more will slip through your fingers. n/t

[old mark]

5. I agree, but these pricks have the power to kill you, and they do not seem

reluctant to use it.

This is what many of the "religious" right want to install here in the US-so long as it is their specific "religion" that is in charge...

mark

[Tailormyst]

6. This might be a step to far.

I think the people of Iran might finally say "enough". Hopefully we will stay out of it.

[WillParkinson]

7. It might just be me but...

I see an Iranian version of Footloose coming. (Yeah, I know that was dancing, but parallels are there.)