A popular Saudi singer caused quite the stir on social media after people accused him of singing verses from the holy Quran at a National Day concert held in Saudi Arabia over the weekend.
Amid the backlash, officials responded explaining that the video, which sparked outrage among users was actually edited to make it seem as though the singer, Talal Salama, was singing a whole Quranic verse from 'Sourat Al Falaq.'
However, in reality, the verse is featured as part of a longer song titled "Homeland."
Salama had dedicated the song to the kingdom in 2016, performing it again at a live concert over the past weekend.
The singer has since shared the full version of the original song on Twitter
In its lyrics, the original song includes a phrase from the Quranic verse. [In bold.]
However, unlike what people suggested on social media at first, it isn't entirely based on 'Sourat Al Falaq.'
"How beautiful, in your religion and king, how incredible, the creator has favored you. Protected from all trouble, shielded by the Lord of daybreak, from the evil of that which He created. Oh, Saudi Arabia, the most beautiful homeland, Oh, Saudi Arabia, the most precious homeland."
This is the part of the performance that originally went viral
And sparked outrage online
"May God have mercy on us... how could he even mention God in a song?"
Leading many to call for legal action against the singer
"He should face legal prosecution."
However, after the full performance was shared by tweeps
Many are now defending the singer
"Relax Talal, your humanity and loyalty to your country are stronger than those who created this fake controversy."
Some are pointing out the differences
"Enough of these lies. The song: (Shielded by the Lord of daybreak, from the evil of that which He created. The Soura: (Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak, from the evil of that which He created."
A few are raising this point:
"The truth must be told, this isn't considered a Soura, this is a kind of adaptation. In poetry, many often adapt phrases from the Quran."