In recent news, international soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has made a record-breaking move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, with a yearly salary of a staggering $200 million. However, the Portuguese player’s personal life has caused controversy in the predominantly Muslim country, as he has five children born out of wedlock and is not married to their mother.

According to Saudi law, living with someone of the opposite gender before marriage is illegal. However, it has been reported that Saudi officials have made an exception for Ronaldo, causing relief for some but increasing scepticism among Muslims globally.

This is not the first time that the Saudi authorities have loosened religious laws in the country, with rumors of concerts being held at the gates of Mecca. “Muslims across the world hold Saudis to a certain standard as the guardians of the two holy mosques,” said a Pakistani worker living in Riyadh.

The issue has also brought up eschatological claims, with some citing the words of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who said: “The people before you were destroyed because they used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich.” (Sahih Bukhari 6787).

The Saudi government has a history of turning a blind eye to laws being broken by members of the royal family. However, this latest exception for Ronaldo has sparked debate and concern among Muslims around the world.