Leading Muslim cleric criticises April Fools Day

Muslims should not participate in April Fools Day joking because lying is prohibited under all but the most extreme conditions, Saudi Arabia's chief cleric says.

The Grand Mufti's comments were made following a query by a Saudi newspaper about the April 1 tradition.

He acknowledged that it was becoming common among Muslims, but called it "a practice of the unbelievers".

Sheik Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al al-Sheik said: "It is prohibited because lying is prohibited at all times and under all conditions except for three."

Lying is permitted only when it brings reconciliation between people, occurs during times of war, or when a husband or wife must protect the honour of the spouse, he said.