Egypt’s grand mufti, Ali Gomaa, has deemed the use of Qur’anic verses as cellphone ringtones as insulting to Islam, Egyptian newspapers reported on Sunday, according to News24.com.

“Such a use is unacceptable because it trivialises the Holy Book,” the cleric, the highest Egyptian authority on Islamic law, told students in Alexandria.

“Therefore it is haram”, or prohibited by Islam, he added.

Egyptian newspapers carry scores of advertisements offering downloadable ringing tones ranging from Qur’anic verses to jokes and the latest Arab pop songs.”