Emirates scholars issue Pokemon fatwa

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A fatwa against Pokemon has been issued in the United
Arab Emirates.

Scholars say the game promotes gambling, encourages
violence and spreads the theory of evolution.

But a religious expert says the fatwa does not mean
Pokemon will be banned.

"The ruling carries no legal force in the Emirates, and was
issued as advice for concerned Muslims," said Sheik

Ahmed al-Haddad, assistant director of Dubai's Research
and Fatwa Administration.

The fatwa says Pokemon "clearly contains gambling, where
one side loses to the benefit of the other side".

Pokemon "is based on the theory of evolution, a
Jewish-Darwinist theory, that conflicts with the truth about
humans and with Islamic principles", the fatwa said.

The ruling says the game is dangerous because it "plants
the seed" of evolution in the minds of the young players.

The fatwa also warns that the game promotes violence.

According to the official Pokemon website, "evolving"
allows a player to improve the power of the cards in play.

Pokemon maker Nintendo said its products are not
religious and Pokemon cards aren't for gambling.

Last updated: 13:23 Monday 9th April 2001