‘Sinful’ Saudi Performer Vows to Give Up Singing

JIDDA, Saudi Arabia —  Mohammed Abdo, a Saudi Arabian singer famous in the Arab world, has “repented” and given up singing, the Arriyadiyah newspaper reported today.

Some fundamentalist Muslims consider singing to be haram , or sinful.

The newspaper, which usually concentrates on sports news, said Abdo wept when he declared his repentance at prayers in a mosque Wednesday night and vowed “he would never sing again for the rest of his life.”

It said he recited some verses from the Koran, Islam’s holy book, asking for forgiveness and “in melodious sound” led the congregation in prayer.