Prominent Islamic preacher Ayedh Al-Qarni, based in Saudi Arabia, has ignited a wave of online debate following a viral video in which he made provocative remarks about death and how families behave after a loved one’s passing. The comments, which many interpreted as insensitive, sparked both outrage and support, eventually prompting Al-Qarni to issue a public clarification.
Controversial statement goes viral
The uproar began after a video clip of Al-Qarni circulated widely across social media platforms. The footage was taken from his appearance on Makes for Podcasts, which aired last Sunday. In the clip, Al-Qarni is seen addressing the topic of death and human attachment, saying:“Don’t believe that your family and relatives are attached to you… Believe me, they will eat a whole roasted lamb on the day of your death… And their biggest concern will be whether or not there is hot sauce… And life will continue without you… So ignore it and don’t tire yourself out.”His words triggered intense discussion online, with Saudi users and others in the Arab world expressing sharply divided opinions. Some defended Al-Qarni’s statement as a sobering reminder of the transient nature of life, while others accused him of trivialising death and mourning rituals. Many reposted the video without comment, reflecting the widespread fascination, and discomfort, the remarks provoked.
Backlash and clarification
In response to the mounting controversy, Al-Qarni later released a follow-up video clarifying his intent. He explained that his earlier comments had been made “in the context of a joke,” and that he was referring to “what sometimes happens in mourning houses, where people engage in extravagance and distractions, as if they have forgotten the deceased.” He emphasised that his purpose was to criticise excesses at funerals rather than mock the sorrow of loss. His clarification, however, did little to silence the online debate, with many still dissecting his tone and intent.
A history of stirring debate
Ayedh Al-Qarni is no stranger to controversy. Born on January 1, 1959, he is one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential Islamic scholars, authors, and preachers, best known for his best-selling self-help book La Tahzan (Don’t Be Sad), which has earned global recognition among both Muslim and non-Muslim readers. Al-Qarni has long been known for his outspoken views and direct preaching style. In 2019, he drew attention for issuing a rare public apology on behalf of the “Awakening” (Sahwa) movement, a conservative religious trend that had shaped Saudi society for decades. In that statement, he apologised for the “mistakes or extremism that contradicted the Quran and Sunnah and the tolerance of Islam and made life difficult for people,” as he put it. With millions of followers across social media and a strong presence on television and digital platforms, Al-Qarni remains one of the most recognisable clerical voices in the Kingdom, and at times, one of its most controversial.
