Justin Bieber's album has been banned from some predominantly Muslim countries "for being too provocative", according to TMZ.

Sources told the gossip website that Bieber's latest album, Purpose, will not be allowed in a number of Middle Eastern countries or Indonesia because the cover art features the popstar topless and with a cross tattoo on his chest.

It is thought that a new cover will be designed for these countries.

Bieber has been outspoken about his faith in recent months. He recently told Complex, "I'm not religious. I, personally, love Jesus and that was my salvation. I want to share what I'm going through and what I'm feeling and I think it shouldn't be ostracised. I think that everybody should get their chance to share what they're doing or where their journey is headed...I actually feel better and more free now that I know what I can do and what I can't do. My voice, I'm not gonna let it not be heard any more. I'm gonna use my voice for a reason."

The 21-year-old said he doesn't want to push his faith on anyone, but "I just wanna honestly live like Jesus...He created a pretty awesome template of how to love people and how to be gracious and kind. If you believe it, he died for our sins."

"We have the greatest healer of all and his name is Jesus Christ. And he really heals. This is it," he added. "It's time that we all share our voice. Whatever you believe. Share it. I'm at a point where I'm not going to hold this in."