Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Bin Bayyah, Vice-President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), stated that there is nothing wrong with declaring Saturday as an official weekend in Muslim countries, noting that this is not an “imitation” of Jews as long as there is some “interest” pursued and it is not meant to follow the Jewish holiday system.

The eminent Sheikh told Saudi Arabia’s Okaz newspaper, “Holidays and weekends are subject to the exclusive discretion of competent authorities in each country, depending on the perceived benefits”.

“It is just a coincidence, which is different from imitation,” Bin Bayyah explained, adding that weighing benefits and warding off evils in people’s lives are the determinant here, provided that there is no intention to adopt the holiday and weekend system of Jews.