Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Habeebullah Al-Ilory, has said Muslims using satellite dishes could lose their place in paradise.

While delivering a sermon to his congregation, Sheikh llory stated that such is forbidden, adding that placing satellite dishes on the roof of one's house is unislamic and spiritually dangerous.

“Anybody who uses a satellite dish and hangs it on the roof of his house and dies will not enter paradise because he/she committed haram,” the scholar said.

His words sparked a reaction on social media as many questioned his attempt to prevent the use of modern technology because of religion.

The Islamic scholar also spoke on other controversial issues, including women’s participation in politics and social reform in conservative Islamic societies.

According to him, Saudi Arabia, as the birthplace of Islam, is facing a shift towards women's right.

“If a woman drives a car or participates in politics, it’s haram. But women are not fighting for the right to drive cars in Saudi Arabia, and it’s no longer haram,” he said.

Sheikh Ilory recalled the criticism he faced in 2010 when he advocated for the involvement of women in politics.

“When I said it earlier in 2010 that women can be involved in politics, people criticised me. Not long after my statements in 2010, Saudi Arabia allowed women to vote and participate in politics,” he added.

Emphasizing the progressive changes going on in Saudi Arabia, Sheikh llory revealed that the country now trains women in the military and permits them to wear trousers.

The cleric then condemned those who might criticise the progress, just as he pointed out that “One Alfa who criticised this evolvement was quoting a part of the scripture I believe he has no understanding of.”

ASA