Over the weekend, Activision and Infinity Ward took Modern Warfare 2's "Favela" map out of rotation after receiving complaints from Muslim gamers who had discoverd apparently offensive content within the level.
The offensive content?
In a lone bathroom, above a toilet, once hung two paintings, the frames of which once bore the quotes of the Prophee Muhammad, which read, "Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty."
According to a noitice from Activision:
We apologize to anyone who found this image offensive. Please be assured we were unaware of this issue and that there was no intent to offend. We are working as quickly as possible to remove this image and any other similar ones we may find from our various game libraries.
We are urgently working to release a Title Update to remove the texture from Modern Warfare 3. We are also working to remove the texture from Modern Warfare 2 through a separate Title Update. Until the TU is ready, we have removed the Favella multiplayer map from online rotation.
Activision and our development studios are respectful of diverse cultures and religious beliefs, and sensitive to concerns raised by its loyal game players. We thank our fans for bringing this to our attention.
No word on if the level will return with quotes from the Qadaa' al-Haajah, rules the Islamic faith has towards personal hygiene when going to the toilet. Among others, the rules dictate that Muslims are advised to pray before entering and leaving the toilet, and that an aindividual should neither face nor turn their back on Mecca whilst relieving themseleves. And one that I definitely agree with, talking or greeting others is forbidden while on the toilet.