Gyms are ‘dens of vice’, says Oman’s Grand Mufti

Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad al-Khalili said in comments aired on state television Tuesday that “drunk people are unproductive people who sink into vice,” newswire AP said.

Al-Khalili is the highest religious authority in the Gulf state, which has been rocked by protests in recent weeks by activists demanding higher wages and an elected parliament.  

The chief cleric said it is not in the interest of the country’s leader to ruler a “drunken people” but a “rational people.”

Al-Khalili also condemned gyms and health clubs as “dens of vice” that should be abolished or closely watched to prevent abuse, AP said.