Islamic Phrase Removed From Video Game
Posted Aug 1, 2007

ISLAMIC PHRASE REMOVED FROM VIDEO GAME

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/1/07) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced today that a common Islamic religious phrase will be removed from a new video game produced by Capcom, a leading developer and publisher of video games worldwide.

CAIR contacted Capcom after receiving a complaint about the use of the phrase “Allahu akbar” (“God is most Great”) in Capcom’s “Zack & Wiki” game. The Arabic phrase is one of the most frequently repeated religious statements made by Muslims and is used often in daily Islamic prayers.

SEE: Zack & Wiki
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziV03wLGDnY

SEE ALSO: Capcom Showcases Zack & Wiki
http://press.capcom.com/release.asp?i=37

In an e-mail to CAIR, a Capcom spokesperson wrote: “We have already contacted the team working on the game, and the phrase has been removed from the game and will not be heard in future videos released to the public.”

The spokesperson added that the company had received other complaints about the inclusion of the phrase in the game.

“We appreciated Capcom’s willingness to address Muslim concerns about the use of a religious phrase in an inappropriate context and applaud the company’s swift response,” said CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin.

CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 33 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.