TWO BANGLADESHIS EXECUTED IN SAUDI ARABIA: FACTS, ISLAMIC TEACHINGS AND THE DANGER OF VIRAL MISINFORMATION

By Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade

The execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia on October 14, 2026, has generated widespread controversy, particularly on social media, where claims circulated that the deceased were a married couple executed for kissing on the forehead inside the Grand Mosque in Makkah. However, subsequent reports have challenged this narrative, underscoring the need to distinguish verified facts from speculation.

According to an official statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Interior on October 14, the individuals were identified as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, also known as Sweety Akhtar. They were convicted of committing an indecent act inside a mosque in Makkah and sentenced to death under ta’zir. The ministry stated that the judgments received the necessary judicial approval and that a royal order authorised their execution. However, the statement did not specify the precise act involved or establish that they were executed for kissing.

A report published by Bangladesh’s The Daily Star on October 20, citing a confidential consular memorandum, stated that the two were not married but worked as cleaners for the same company in Saudi Arabia. The memorandum reportedly indicated that Nazrul was detained in August 2023 under Saudi Arabia’s cybercrime law, while Sweety was detained the following day over an allegation of adultery. The available information does not explain how these separate allegations relate to the offence cited in the Saudi execution announcement.

Nazrul’s parents also told Bangladeshi media that their son was unmarried and that the family did not know the woman. The Bangladeshi government has reportedly requested copies of the court judgments and further clarification from Saudi authorities. Until these documents become available, claims that the pair were newlyweds or were executed specifically for kissing inside the mosque remain unsubstantiated.

Islam unequivocally emphasises the sanctity of mosques and the importance of proper conduct in places of worship. Allah says in the Qur’an: Wa annal-masājida lillāhi fa-lā tad‘ū ma‘a Allāhi aḥadā.

Meaning: “And the mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke anyone along with Allah.” (Qur’an 72:18)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also explained that mosques are places for the remembrance of Allah, prayer and Qur’an recitation (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 285). Muslims should therefore respect the sanctity of mosques and avoid conduct that distracts worshippers or undermines the purpose of these sacred places.

Nevertheless, religious principles must not become an excuse for spreading unverified allegations. Allah commands believers in the Qur’an to verify information before acting upon it: Yā ayyuhal-ladhīna āmanū in jā’akum fāsiqun binaba’in fatabayyanū.

Meaning: “O you who believe, if a rebellious person comes to you with information, investigate it.” (Qur’an 49:6)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) similarly warned: “It is sufficient for a person to be considered a liar that he narrates everything he hears.” (Sahih Muslim, Introduction, Hadith 5 in common numbering.)

These teachings are particularly relevant in an age when sensational stories spread rapidly across social media. Journalists, religious commentators and members of the public have a responsibility to establish the authenticity of reports before sharing them. The timing of the executions alongside international political developments does not, by itself, establish any connection between them. Such suggestions require credible evidence.

Furthermore, the questions raised by the Bangladeshi government about the judicial proceedings deserve appropriate clarification. Allah declares in the Qur’an: “Indeed, Allah commands justice and excellence” (Qur’an 16:90). Seeking information about a criminal case does not automatically mean rejecting a court’s judgment; rather, it reflects the importance of understanding the evidence, the precise offence and the circumstances of the proceedings.

Ultimately, the available information establishes that Saudi Arabia announced the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals convicted of an indecent act inside a mosque. However, the publicly available announcement does not substantiate the viral claim that they were a married couple executed for kissing on the forehead. Until the complete judgments and further official explanations become available, responsible reporting requires us to distinguish established facts from allegations and speculation. Respect for sacred places must go hand in hand with respect for truth, justice and responsible journalism.

Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade Member, Al-Rabwa Islamic Propagation, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
agunbiadeib@gmail.com

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