Manama: A Kuwaiti former lawmaker has waded into controversy after he said that whoever quizzed the interior minister would go to heaven.
“Whoever quizzes the minister of interior will be recalled throughout history. In fact, he will enter heaven, with the will of God,” Mohammad Hayef said at a press conference, Kuwaiti media reported on Saturday.
The claim by the Islamist figure drew immediate anger and scorn from several Kuwaitis.
“We do not know when Mohammad Hayef became the agent who decides who will go to heaven,” MP Nabeel Al Fahdel commented. “Does this mean that we now have to stop praying and fasting and be content with quizzing the interior minister to go to paradise. The problem is not with Hayef only, it is also with the religious figures who hear such nonsense and do not make any comments because he is their friend,” he said, quoted by Al Seyassah daily.
Political activist Ahmad Al Manees called for an end to the “babble” by some people.
“No one has the keys to heaven and hell and no one is entitled to speak on behalf of God. Stop misleading people,” he posted on his Twitter account.
One blogger asked the former lawmaker about the religious merit of quizzing the health minister.
“If quizzing the interior minister is the gateway to heaven, what about the health minister? Does it forgive last year’s sins?” the blogger asked.
Another blogger said that the statement by Hayef has made him contemplate running for parliament at the next elections.
“I have decided to become a candidate and attempt to become a lawmaker so that I can quiz the interior minister and go to heaven,” the blogger said.
Another blogger whom the daily did not name wanted Hayef to inform him about the merit of quizzing the prime minister.
“If the quizzing of the interior minister means going to heaven, what about quizzing the prime minister? Does it take you to the highest levels in paradise, alongside prophets?”
