tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54398536409223055582023-11-16T09:52:44.230+03:00Laura of ArabiaA Guide to living in and understanding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-26480367969149867802011-03-12T15:40:00.000+03:002011-03-12T15:40:36.806+03:00The Oppression of Saudi Men!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN2BGkWV1QzGPqPV8ZJhDcayebMuFg1ynfXnzODzpaeSc68nNxizk3PcyvFbbOSufxhUIZ0EpqI5P7UooGmEszqHQJyXaNZEZ7hMf4Nkzj3fFumvoII5cuiJ5d-LOKQBdqiRXPtQ8O52e/s1600/Badr++jabal+butha+701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="285" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN2BGkWV1QzGPqPV8ZJhDcayebMuFg1ynfXnzODzpaeSc68nNxizk3PcyvFbbOSufxhUIZ0EpqI5P7UooGmEszqHQJyXaNZEZ7hMf4Nkzj3fFumvoII5cuiJ5d-LOKQBdqiRXPtQ8O52e/s320/Badr++jabal+butha+701.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Over and over, I hear about the oppression of Saudi women. Poor things! Unable to drive. Forced to cover from head to toe. Unable to work. Unable to leave the home without a male guardian. Blah Blah Blah. Well what about the men. The poor men in Saudi Arabia are so brainwashed and so sheltered from the outside world, that they don't even realize that they are oppressed. Where I come from, no man would put up with such abuse day in and day out. In my country, a woman works full time to pay the mortgage and the bills. When the children need to go to the doctor - it's the woman who must arrange to take them. If they need to go to after school activities, the woman takes them. If there is a problem at school, the woman goes. The aisles at the grocery store are filled with women who are doing the shopping and also paying for the groceries then they go home a prepare the meals. If a woman needs a passport, she has to drive to have her picture take, fill out the form, write the check, drive to the post office, mail the letter. If it gets lost in the mail, it is the woman who must track it down. When the gas tank is empty, the woman fills it! When the car breaks down, she takes it to the mechanic - some even fix it themselves. In my country and all over the world, the men are free to hang out with their buddies and watch football - unhindered, uninterrupted, but not in Saudi Arabia. Here in Saudi Arabia the poor men are forced to chauffeur their children, their wives, their mothers and their sisters. If the family runs out of milk, the man has to get it. If the man gets ill, he has to drive himself to the hospital and then to the pharmacy to buy his prescription. If the kids are sick, he goes. Problem at school, he goes. Passports for the family, he goes. Such a situation surely would not be tolerated by men in any other nation. Such oppression would not be tolerated. Men would be in the streets complaining bitterly about their plight -but not in Saudi Arabia. The men just let it go on and on. Where are the human rights organizations? Where is the media? Where is the education? Poor oppressed Saudi Men - they need to wake up! They need to wise up. They need to learn what the rest of the world already knows. Remove the chains - let the women do it.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-9335333033789622362011-01-07T19:33:00.000+03:002011-01-07T19:33:15.295+03:00Back in the Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaAlhamdulilah! After a long absence, I've finally returned to Saudi Arabia. (four months in America) Four months of being an adult, having to pump my own gas, pay my own bills, prepare my own food. Four months of taking my car to the machanic and fixing the broken garage door. Four months of driving myself wherever I needed to go. Four months without a maid! I'm not sure how I survived it all. <br />
I must admit, it wasn't all bad. The weather was beautiful up until two weeks before I left. The shopping was great and It was nice to spend time with my friends and family. Anyway, I'm back now and am pondering what if anything has changed in my absence. I'll begin by reading what my fellow bloggers have been saying as well as digging in to the local papers. As soon as I get a grip on the local climate, I'll be publishing just like old times. Stay tuned!Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-44765004671109599492010-11-17T15:50:00.000+03:002010-11-17T15:50:17.796+03:00الملك عبدالله أنا بخير وصحة ما دمتم بخير<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HT5p1-IP6sg?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HT5p1-IP6sg?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-14179121023099020342010-11-14T21:01:00.004+03:002010-11-14T21:02:46.134+03:00Eid Mubarak!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y7UiUBiOVN7KXyy8AgpwxxVCY4kTrhfi0W-Fx4O-Shh0VrA10WEfrZOlQDP_BHz0WXzTElTD0XBqmXJsVg4XtAKjq25DpaNhReLCPT3U4dm7HqA41eOlAQhfxmIk1PJ6awHorc_wmKkK/s1600/eid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y7UiUBiOVN7KXyy8AgpwxxVCY4kTrhfi0W-Fx4O-Shh0VrA10WEfrZOlQDP_BHz0WXzTElTD0XBqmXJsVg4XtAKjq25DpaNhReLCPT3U4dm7HqA41eOlAQhfxmIk1PJ6awHorc_wmKkK/s400/eid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-60898538269412516322010-11-14T20:57:00.000+03:002010-11-14T20:57:27.199+03:00What is Eid al Adha?At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2010, Eid al-Adha will begin on November 16th, and will last for three days. <br />
What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?<br />
During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows: <br />
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121) <br />
One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God. <br />
Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?<br />
During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith. <br />
Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred. <br />
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others. <br />
It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37) <br />
The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-9319403912130081762010-11-14T20:40:00.000+03:002010-11-14T20:40:09.274+03:00HadithThe Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "One who helps a fellow<br />
Muslim in removing his (or her) difficulty in this world, Allah will remove<br />
the formers distress on the Day of Judgment. He who helps to remove the<br />
hardship of another, will have his difficulties removed by Allah in this<br />
world and in the Hereafter. One who covers the shortcomings of another<br />
Muslim, will have his faults covered up in this world and the next by Allah.<br />
Allah continues to help a servant so long as he goes on helping his own<br />
brother (or sister)." (Muslim)Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-88874648760968538772010-11-14T20:30:00.000+03:002010-11-14T20:30:21.284+03:00A Special Thought for Eid Al-Adha"Truly in the heart there is a void that cannot be removed except with the<br />
company of Allah. And in it there is a sadness that cannot be removed except<br />
with the happiness of knowing Allah. And in it there is an emptiness that<br />
cannot be filled except with love for Allah and by turning to and always<br />
remembering Him. And if a person were given all of the world and what is in<br />
it, it would not fill this emptiness." (Ibn al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya)<br />
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Happy Eid to all of my Muslim brothers and sisters during this precious time.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-85956181256545778672010-11-05T12:18:00.003+03:002010-11-05T12:20:19.057+03:00An Interesting Viewpoint From Saudi Women<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xafP2zberws?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xafP2zberws?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-19200067334104184802010-10-22T14:15:00.001+03:002010-10-22T15:11:56.071+03:00Should Colored Abayas be worn in Saudi Arabia?What is your opinion of the colored abaya? Muslim women, around the globe wear bright colored clothing, while still dressing modestly. Should Saudi women be allowed to do so as well? As a Western woman, who loves her fashion, a part of me would love to see beautifully-colored abayas on the streets of Saudi Arabia. Yet, on the other hand, from a strictly economic viewpoint, the cost could be excessive. One can't wear a purple abaya or a red abaya everyday. A woman will need to spend a lot more money on her abayas than she does now. That's OK for those who have it, but what about for the rest? A simple black abaya is a great social leveler. Take my survey, and let me know what you think! Sor those of you who want colored abayas - wear a pink abaya on October 28th and support the cause of breast cancer awareness in Saudi Arabia. (On October 28th, 2010, Women in Jeddah, wearing pink ponchos over their abayas, will try to break a record for forming the largest pink ribbon.)Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-88442043694215196302010-09-30T16:05:00.000+03:002010-09-30T16:05:04.855+03:00Visit Souk Okaz online.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLONWb-M301cemDX4TW85JMyA9DeeEcwjDSSll8ngnkpjHfz5-Lk-5IdSGyCZhVwJ0zkiDYwWbnxAysK4lqnpmvXPLfkwJOxkL4ZK0IAgAbQDf0dJfvnvguZtBccMFmp2abfHtUbAVJzjC/s1600/animal+preserve+taif+140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLONWb-M301cemDX4TW85JMyA9DeeEcwjDSSll8ngnkpjHfz5-Lk-5IdSGyCZhVwJ0zkiDYwWbnxAysK4lqnpmvXPLfkwJOxkL4ZK0IAgAbQDf0dJfvnvguZtBccMFmp2abfHtUbAVJzjC/s400/animal+preserve+taif+140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472834678544154130" /></a><br />
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<b>Souk Okaz is happening NOW! You can watch it live on the Saudi Cultural Channel. Enjoy!<br />
</b><br />
Souk Okaz, located approximately 40 Km. north of Taif amidst rolling desert plains, is the home of the Souk Okaz Festival. From the city of Taif, take the Taif-Riyadh Road to the exit for Souk Okaz. A two-laned road, now damaged by recent floods, will take you to the entrance of the souk. The Souk Okaz Festival is the re-birth of an ancient Arabian festival dating back to Pre-Islamic times. In ancient times, Arab traders and bedouins would bring their goods, including perfumes, spices, rugs and handicrafts to sell at the market. It was an ancient economic and cultural meeting center. Arabs from all parts of the Arabian Peninsula would meet at Souk Okaz to compete and select the best poet. Poetry is in the soul of the Arab. The ancient Arab poet would deliver words of praise for his tribe and denigrate the other tribes. The poet represented the individual tribe's prestige and importance. Zajal, a battle of the poets, would often take the place of an actual battle. Early Arabic poetry offers the modern Arab a glimpse of life in Pre-Islamic times. The Souk Okaz Festival was revived in 2008 by Prince Khalid al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah, under the patronage of King Abullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Prince Khalid is a renowned poet himself. He has said that,"Poetry is the history of the Arab. Arabs in the past were depending on poetry, more than any other literary form, to express their emotions." The eight-day, Souk Okaz Festival will open on August 19th, 2010. The festival will offer poetry sessions, performances of music and traditional dances, demonstrations of bedouin handicrafts and of course, lots of shopping. Prizes for poetry and painting will be given, as well as a new prize for traditional handicrafts and craftsmanship. Efforts are underway to make Souk Okaz a major Arab cultural center like Carthage in Tunisia or Jerash in Jordan.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-53832652317371883222010-09-22T23:27:00.002+03:002010-09-22T23:34:30.009+03:00Celebrate Saudi National Day! September 23rd, 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyTKB-_haNwIP7z7-Eklpiwu0QYNQ2xH1Fh3F23SK7nKgSku3W7lvkShMTypt61wIRoZfmzM5M_Ve9J15rintbfbXqvbKNbOzuYgb4-OBlDRUFHggbnSrp8230M8vsmmFy5hy45fwbUaa/s1600/saudinationalday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyTKB-_haNwIP7z7-Eklpiwu0QYNQ2xH1Fh3F23SK7nKgSku3W7lvkShMTypt61wIRoZfmzM5M_Ve9J15rintbfbXqvbKNbOzuYgb4-OBlDRUFHggbnSrp8230M8vsmmFy5hy45fwbUaa/s320/saudinationalday.jpg" /></a></div><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RhvFYJPEL50?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RhvFYJPEL50?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-88931775901184870032010-09-21T14:12:00.001+03:002010-09-22T23:36:30.243+03:00Street Terrorism in Saudi Arabia<b>Please: Follow the Rules - Drive Responsibly - Saves Lives</b><br />
<br />
<object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hlUplHf3OoA?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hlUplHf3OoA?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object>Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-73268562085620760952010-09-21T13:53:00.000+03:002010-09-21T13:53:17.378+03:00"The New Negative Attitude of the Saudi Character"Three seemingly unrelated social issues may , in fact, have a linking common denominator. An article published in the 24/7 Emarati on-line newspaper (Sept. 6, 2010) reported that an organization by the name of "My Family Society" completed a study that reported 60,000 couples married in Saudi Arabia in 2009 and 18,000 couples filed for divorce in the same year resulting in a marriage failure rate of nearly 30%. The reason sited for this exploding divorce rate was, and I quote, <b>"the new negative attitude of the Saudi character because of social and economic changes brought about by the discovery of oil".</b> Could this newly uncovered malady possibly lie at the heart of a number of social problems afflicting the Kingdom? <br />
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A number of social problems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including the exploding divorce rate, the high number of "spinsters" and the sky-rocketing unemployment rate could all be a result of this "new negative attitude". Let's look at each one individually, shall we.<br />
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First of all, let's examine the issue of spinsterhood. The number of spinsters or unmarried women past the marriageble age of 30 in the Kingdom is expected to reach 5 million in five years. The government has blamed the problem, like many others, on foreign women; but are foreign women really the problem? How much is a Saudi woman worth? The cost of marriage has gotten so far out of hand, that even the 100,000SR fine that has been proposed as a sanction against those who marry foreigners still looks like a bargain relative to the cost of a Saudi bride. The young women and their families have an unrealistic impression of their overall self-worth - possibly as a result of this new negative attitude of the Saudi character because of social and economic changes brought about by the discovery of oil, or dare I say arrogance. <br />
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Secondly, the issue of divorce, as cited previously has already been connected to this new defect in character. A man who pays 1000's of Saudi Riyals for a bride expects to get something in return. These young women, many raised by their Asian maids and Nannies, have never learned to cook a meal or organize a house and have little desire to learn. They, the men and the women, feel "entitled". They deserve the best because they are Saudi.<br />
<br />
And finally, a third issue, the sky-rocketing unemployment rate. Why don't Saudi business owners hire Saudis? Well, let's see. It costs at least 3 or 4 times as much to pay a Saudi employee, not to mention the fact that the foreign worker will be available seven days a week, twenty four hours a day. The foreign worker must do whatever the business owner requests or face deportation. The Saudi worker, male or female, shows up when he or she wants and leaves when he or she wants.<br />
<br />
Has Saudi wealth been a blessing or a curse? It's all about one's attitude. If an individual remembers that eveything comes from Allah and remembers to thank him and acts resonsibly by helping those less fortunate, wealth can be a blessing. But on the other hand, those that have wealth and see themselves as better or more deserving than the rest of humanity, will, in the long run, wish they never had it. In Islam, all are equal except by their deeds.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-21081285127839604592010-09-07T01:24:00.000+03:002010-09-07T01:24:28.680+03:00The Niqab can be Liberating!While doing research for a new class about Women in Islam, I ran across this article and wanted to share it with my readers. I, personally, have had a similar experience. <br />
Why I Shed Bikini for Niqab: The New Symbol of Women's Liberation<br />
By Sara Bokker<br />
POSTED: 20 ZULHIJJAH 1427, 10 JANUARY 2007<br />
I am an American woman who was born in the midst of America's "Heartland." I grew up, just like any other girl, being fixated with the glamour of life in "the big city." Eventually, I moved to Florida and on to South Beach of Miami, a hotspot for those seeking the "glamorous life." Naturally, I did what most average Western girls do. I focused on my appearance and appeal, basing my self-worth on how much attention I got from others. I worked out religiously and became a personal trainer, acquired an upscale waterfront residence, became a regular "exhibiting" beach-goer and was able to attain a "living-in-style" kind of life.<br />
Years went by, only to realize that my scale of self-fulfillment and happiness slid down the more I progressed in my "feminine appeal." I was a slave to fashion. I was a hostage to my looks. <br />
As the gap continued to progressively widen between my self-fulfillment and lifestyle, I sought refuge in escapes from alcohol and parties to meditation, activism, and alternative religions, only to have the little gap widen to what seemed like a valley. I eventually realized it all was merely a pain killer rather than an effective remedy.<br />
By now it was September 11, 2001. As I witnessed the ensuing barrage on Islam, Islamic values and culture, and the infamous declaration of the "new crusade," I started to notice something called Islam. Up until that point, all I had associated with Islam was women covered in "tents," wife beaters, harems, and a world of terrorism. <br />
As a feminist libertarian, and an activist who was pursuing a better world for all, my path crossed with that of another activist who was already at the lead of indiscriminately furthering causes of reform and justice for all. I joined in the ongoing campaigns of my new mentor which included, at the time, election reform and civil rights, among others. Now my new activism was fundamentally different. Instead of "selectively" advocating justice only to some, I learned that ideals such as justice, freedom, and respect are meant to be and are essentially universal, and that own good and common good are not in conflict. For the first time, I knew what "all people are created equal" really means. But most importantly, I learned that it only takes faith to see the world as one and to see the unity in creation.<br />
One day I came across a book that is negatively stereotyped in the West--The Holy Qur'an. I was first attracted by the style and approach of the Qur'an, and then intrigued by its outlook on existence, life, creation, and the relationship between Creator and creation. I found the Qur'an to be a very insightful address to heart and soul without the need for an interpreter or pastor.<br />
Eventually I hit a moment of truth: my new-found self-fulfilling activism was nothing more than merely embracing a faith called Islam where I could live in peace as a "functional" Muslim.<br />
I bought a beautiful long gown and head cover resembling the Muslim woman's dress code and I walked down the same streets and neighborhoods where only days earlier I had walked in my shorts, bikini, or "elegant" western business attire. Although the people, the faces, and the shops were all the same, one thing was remarkably distinct--I was not--nor was the peace at being a woman I experienced for the very first time. I felt as if the chains had been broken and I was finally free. I was delighted with the new looks of wonder on people's faces in place of the looks of a hunter watching his prey I had once sought. Suddenly a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I no longer spent all my time consumed with shopping, makeup, getting my hair done, and working out. Finally, I was free. <br />
Of all places, I found my Islam at the heart of what some call "the most scandalous place on earth," which makes it all the more dear and special.<br />
While content with Hijab I became curious about Niqab, seeing an increasing number of Muslim women in it. I asked my Muslim husband, whom I married after I reverted to Islam, whether I should wear Niqab or just settle for the Hijab I was already wearing. My husband simply advised me that he believes Hijab is mandatory in Islam while Niqab is not. At the time, my Hijab consisted of head scarf that covered all my hair except for my face, and a loose long black gown called "Abaya" that covered all my body from neck to toe.<br />
A year-and-a-half passed, and I told my husband I wanted to wear Niqab. My reason, this time, was that I felt it would be more pleasing to Allah, the Creator, increasing my feeling of peace at being more modest. He supported my decision and took me to buy an "Isdaal," a loose black gown that covers from head to toe, and Niqab, which covers all my head and face except for my eyes.<br />
Soon enough, news started breaking about politicians, Vatican clergymen, libertarians, and so-called human rights and freedom activists condemning Hijab at times, and Niqab at others as being oppressive to women, an obstacle to social integration, and more recently, as an Egyptian official called it--"a sign of backwardness."<br />
I find it to be a blatant hypocrisy when Western governments and so-called human rights groups rush to defend woman's rights when some governments impose a certain dress code on women, yet such "freedom fighters" look the other way when women are being deprived of their rights, work, and education just because they choose to exercise their right to wear Niqab or Hijab. Today, women in Hijab or Niqab are being increasingly barred from work and education not only under totalitarian regimes such as in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt, but also in Western democracies such as France, Holland, and Britain.<br />
Today I am still a feminist, but a Muslim feminist, who calls on Muslim women to assume their responsibilities in providing all the support they can for their husbands to be good Muslims. To raise their children as upright Muslims so they may be beacons of light for all humanity once again. To enjoin good--any good--and to forbid evil--any evil. To speak righteousness and to speak up against all ills. To fight for our right to wear Niqab or Hijab and to please our Creator whichever way we chose. But just as importantly to carry our experience with Niqab or Hijab to fellow women who may never have had the chance to understand what wearing Niqab or Hijab means to us and why do we, so dearly, embrace it.<br />
Most of the women I know wearing Niqab are Western reverts, some of whom are not even married. Others wear Niqab without full support of either family or surroundings. What we all have in common is that it is the personal choice of each and every one of us, which none of us is willing to surrender. <br />
Willingly or unwillingly, women are bombarded with styles of "dressing-in-little-to-nothing" virtually in every means of communication everywhere in the world. As an ex non-Muslim, I insist on women's right to equally know about Hijab, its virtues, and the peace and happiness it brings to a woman's life as it did to mine. Yesterday, the bikini was the symbol of my liberty, when in actuality it only liberated me from my spirituality and true value as a respectable human being.<br />
I couldn't be happier to shed my bikini in South Beach and the "glamorous" Western lifestyle to live in peace with my Creator and enjoy living among fellow humans as a worthy person. It is why I choose to wear Niqab, and why I will die defending my inalienable right to wear it. Today, Niqab is the new symbol of woman's liberation.<br />
To women who surrender to the ugly stereotype against the Islamic modesty of Hijab, I say: You don't know what you are missing.<br />
Sara Bokker is a former actress/model/fitness instructor and activist. Currently, Sara is Director of Communications at "The March For Justice," a co-founder of "The Global Sisters Network," and producer of the infamous "Shock & Awe Gallery."Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-25022870967022047272010-08-18T13:50:00.000+03:002010-08-18T13:50:54.021+03:00Keith Olbermann Special Comment: There Is No 'Ground Zero Mosque' - 08/1...<object style="background-image:url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/QZpT2Muxoo0/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QZpT2Muxoo0?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QZpT2Muxoo0?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-19750833190357957482010-08-10T10:25:00.000+03:002010-08-10T10:25:06.905+03:00Reminiscing About Time Spent in Saudi Arabia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CdaJquo7pDpV4uuC1fba5oNjo2aF0pUwrhj4I9qT-9h55GpJ9uPIAPehC-nRior5R-bAygWqE47I5VW-iVezSc31mZjbDDc4XtZHgmVidceN_6WlgKPm6WmJzk1uYk4P5enx6cvn5JLp/s1600/hypermania2060300256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" mx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CdaJquo7pDpV4uuC1fba5oNjo2aF0pUwrhj4I9qT-9h55GpJ9uPIAPehC-nRior5R-bAygWqE47I5VW-iVezSc31mZjbDDc4XtZHgmVidceN_6WlgKPm6WmJzk1uYk4P5enx6cvn5JLp/s200/hypermania2060300256.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Fall is nearly upon us and a new school year is about to begin - like many of my fellow bloggers, I will be returning to my home in the United States. My time here in Saudi Arabia is nearly over, at least for a while. It passed so quickly. How vividly I recall my first few moments in the Holy city of Makkah and the overwhelming emotion at my first glimpse of the Kaaba. I remember my anxiety as we approached checkpoints and my first sighting of the Ha'ia or religious police, not to mention my delight at the first glimpse of a camel crossing while on the road to Yanbu.<br />
<br />
The Holy month of Ramadhan will begin shortly and as the natives frantically prepare for the festivities, I am quietly packing my bags, preparing for my departure, and reminiscing about the past eight months that I have spent inside the desert kingdom.<br />
<br />
The time I have spent here has challenged my perceptions, changed my views and opened my eyes. I have been, at times, both pleasantly surprised and at others deeply disheartened and saddened. Like any foreigner, I came with the baggage of preconceived notions and stereotypes, some of my own others perpetrated by the media. <br />
<br />
The image of Saudi Arabia in the West has undergone numerous changes over the years. The early Western portrait of Arabia drew heavily on romantic images of drifting sand dunes and wondering bedouins. The image displayed in my favorite film of all times, "Lawrence of Arabia".<br />
<br />
After the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, the discourse took a drastic change focusing on Saudi Arabia as a purveyor of radical Islam, a breeding ground for terrorists, a violator of human rights and an oppressor of women.<br />
<br />
Numerous Western journalists have entered the Kingdom, spent a few days or perhaps weeks inside a five star hotel and proclaimed themselves "experts". I have lived here, on the inside, not in a hotel or on a compound, but as a Saudi for just under eight months and am only beginning to unravel the secrets of this most mystifying society.<br />
<br />
In a series of articles, I would like to share with you, my readers, my personal insights and impressions, my likes and dislikes, my feelings and amazement of this truly fascinating country on the brink of change as it collides with the outside world and embraces globalization while at the same time desparately attempting to maintain its own unique, cultural and religious identity.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-29008579308672422932010-08-07T14:09:00.000+03:002010-08-07T14:09:03.225+03:00Survey about Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZvmznI1haoMIrJ5EJvgjQsS7pTSMeSNLplc72R7kajVCBhmchO7oF8KwByADjLXts7IS8v_8LfDj_5jzd4IBkohKsgY6Zs55jwYo3u7AAkEzu4K_DVZSKeAuD_a1Ik515YqWib184IRi/s1600/niqabbeaded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZvmznI1haoMIrJ5EJvgjQsS7pTSMeSNLplc72R7kajVCBhmchO7oF8KwByADjLXts7IS8v_8LfDj_5jzd4IBkohKsgY6Zs55jwYo3u7AAkEzu4K_DVZSKeAuD_a1Ik515YqWib184IRi/s320/niqabbeaded.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>I just received this - Please complete it and pass it on.<br />
<br />
Dear All,<br />
<br />
We are a multidisciplinary research group from G. D’Annunzio University of <br />
Chieti-Pescara, Italy. At the moment, we are carrying on a survey on female <br />
stereotypes all around the world. In particular we wish to investigate <br />
stereotypes related to some specific areas such as: emotion and temperament, <br />
education, job, politics, body image and sexuality.<br />
<br />
Starting from a first preliminary survey aiming to collect a list of stereotypes <br />
from different countries, we have built a questionnaire which can be filled in <br />
online at the following address:<br />
<br />
http://www.surveymo nkey.com/ s/women_stereoty pes<br />
<br />
We would appreciate it very much if you could answer to the survey and spread <br />
the information to as many people as possible (both male and female). <br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you very much in advance for your support,<br />
Best regards,<br />
<br />
Dora Bernabei, Simone Di Zio, Lara Fontanella, Mara Maretti<br />
<br />
University “G. d’Annunzio”<br />
DMQTE, Viale Pindaro 42, 65127 – Pescara, ITALYLaura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-39346309557317806402010-07-27T13:43:00.000+03:002010-07-27T13:43:22.531+03:00Are New Laws Calling for the Ban of Niqab Causing Violence?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCecagKnr-7pwvqsJbXdXw11VTXjp-KdvvUS0PnTvIfZUShOSW-HsS5cMUWe0UqevkVMV1SPH7qm3xfQahqfW4BjRJ9586Rk5w44qT5e2PTpY6nzP2ESWl0Q-a6Yl8jB-fEfKg6mRPXiFU/s1600/niqab15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCecagKnr-7pwvqsJbXdXw11VTXjp-KdvvUS0PnTvIfZUShOSW-HsS5cMUWe0UqevkVMV1SPH7qm3xfQahqfW4BjRJ9586Rk5w44qT5e2PTpY6nzP2ESWl0Q-a6Yl8jB-fEfKg6mRPXiFU/s320/niqab15.jpg" /></a></div>The Saudi Gazette reported Tuesday that a man in Scotland has been convicted and jailed for two years after he forcibly removed the niqab or veil from the face of a Saudi student while she was walking through the Central Station in Glascow last April.<br />
<br />
Is it possible that the new legislation proposed in the countries of France, Canada and Belgium, among others is leading to an increase in attacks on Muslim women who choose to wear the niqab or burqa? <br />
These laws seem to give individuals, many with a deep-seated hatred for Islam, the green light to act in a violent and racist manner. The politicians who are promoting these laws are pandering to the fears of their constituencies and indirectly legitimizing and institutionalizing the hatred. This hatred, manifests itself in attacks on innocent women who are protecting their dignity and professing their faith in Allah.<br />
<br />
William Baikie, 26, admitted racially assaulting 26-year-old Anwar Al-Qahtani by forcibly removing her niqab in the city’s Hope Street, the BBC said. Miss Al-Qahtani, protecting her modesty as part of Islamic teachings, had to use another piece of clothing to cover her face after the veil was ripped as Baikie pulled it from her.<br />
<br />
Baikie ran off after the attack but was later arrested by police after being identified through CCTV. Sentencing Baikie at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, Sheriff Lindsay Wood told him that what he did was an “absolute disgrace”. He said: “The offense you committed was a shameful one.” “You are a man who has a number of racist convictions and you knew full well how offensive the act would have been to the lady,” Sheriff Lindsay told Baikie.<br />
<br />
The court heard how Miss Al-Qahtani had come to Scotland from Saudi Arabia to study a masters degree.<br />
<br />
According to STV, Prosecutor Iain Bradley told the court “This thoughtless, disrespectful act has had a very serious and profound effect on Miss Al-Qahtani.<br />
<br />
“She and her husband follow the Qur’an very strictly and it is highly offensive for anybody, particularly a man, to have sight of her face in public.<br />
<br />
“She now feels that she has lost her independence as she is afraid to go out on her own in case it happens again. She is effectively house bound as a result of what the accused did.”<br />
<br />
Defense lawyer Ken Sinclair told the court that his client was drunk at the time of the attack and can offer no explanation for what he did, STV reported.<br />
<br />
Mr. Sinclair said: “He appreciates that such behavior is totally unacceptable and he is deeply ashamed of what he did.”<br />
<br />
Perhaps those in charge of nations should begin to consider the human rights of all of their citizens, not just those with whom they agree. If they continue to advocate for laws that penalize women because they are adhering to their traditions , these heinous attacks on innocent women may well continue or increase.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-88276388405970521392010-07-27T10:32:00.000+03:002010-07-27T10:32:04.476+03:00Controversial Saudi Sheikh Yusef al-Ahmad Calls for Muslim Maids only in Saudi Arabia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgX59vr5sSl_aptvwsztW6-NqXYMuWq_kuz-uAC_oagp1QA47EgF3vj6i5cn9qjjgvj3mZPDs8aTUGtwR8en1riGqmgJk6qPr4HJtR7ym2uUtsMBlM07jVL7rKREw9QsvZyk7DevKuq1j/s1600/three_cols.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgX59vr5sSl_aptvwsztW6-NqXYMuWq_kuz-uAC_oagp1QA47EgF3vj6i5cn9qjjgvj3mZPDs8aTUGtwR8en1riGqmgJk6qPr4HJtR7ym2uUtsMBlM07jVL7rKREw9QsvZyk7DevKuq1j/s320/three_cols.jpg" /></a></div>On Tuesday, speaking on an on-line website, Sheikh Yusef al-Ahmad, issued a statement calling for all maids and domestic workers employed inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be Muslim. <br />
<br />
"If there is a need to import workers as female domestics, they should be Muslims," Sheikh Yusef al-Ahmad, a strong opponent of men and women mixing in the ultra-conservative kingdom, told the sabq.org website.<br />
<br />
He also said female domestics should cover themselves in the home, and that, following Islamic requirements for Saudi women, they should also be required to have a male relative guardian, or mahram, with them in Saudi Arabia.<br />
<br />
"They should be required to work in the home covered with the hijab (veil), and not mix with men in the home, not enter their rooms or the hall or serve them," he said.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, I somewhat agree with his position. (Perhaps it's a good thing that I will be returning to the USA for a while).<br />
<br />
Sheikh al-Ahmad is a lecturer at Riyadh's Imam Mohammed bin Saudi University, the country's leading Islamic education institution. He gained notoriety earlier this year when he called for the Grand Mosque of Mecca, Islam's holiest site, to be torn down and rebuilt with separate entrances and areas for men and women.<br />
<br />
<br />
After living in Saudi Arabia for about 8 months, I have heard numerous stories about what happens behind closed doors. Stories of illicit relationships between the man of the house or the sons and the maid, stories of jealous wives and even stories of murder and revenge on the children. <br />
<br />
Please understand that I am not blaming the foreign women who are working as maids; but in a society where men rarely see any woman at all, having a young foreign woman working in the house can cause problems. Keeping the women covered and separated from the men in the house, may be a good thing.<br />
<br />
In addition, many of these young women are doing a good deal of the child rearing. Requiring that they be Muslim, would help to ensure that the children are being taught according to Islamic values. <br />
<br />
Sheikh al-Ahmad's latest comments are directed at the huge foreign labor pool in the country, accounting for an estimated eight to 10 million in a population of about 25 million people.<br />
<br />
Saudi families employ millions of foreign cooks, maids and drivers, many of whom already come from large Muslim states like Indonesia and countries in Africa.<br />
<br />
Most of the more than one million Indonesian workers in Saudi Arabia are female household workers. But they are not required to be in the country with male guardians. Sheikh al-Ahmad's position may be pose difficulties for the average Saudi family who is in need of a maid. Earlier this summer, Saudi recruitment agencies had discussed suspending the hiring of maids from Indonesia due to sky-rocketing recruitment costs.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-39175944883438499562010-07-19T15:21:00.000+03:002010-07-19T15:21:36.264+03:00Saudi Arabia - Foreign Women Aren't the Problem!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasLvyazmfEqe9vfzMSS7jofYbGERYyTF5gvqyUh1pJZIk-y_eZpZnSyO1N9pJJu-IO8pQB95PpJE1f9X1KC2FmedqTDU97P2vpyi-aJeYLCg2yKjhmStt3alwOBQSCgGFxHZch-ipoX5Z/s1600/man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasLvyazmfEqe9vfzMSS7jofYbGERYyTF5gvqyUh1pJZIk-y_eZpZnSyO1N9pJJu-IO8pQB95PpJE1f9X1KC2FmedqTDU97P2vpyi-aJeYLCg2yKjhmStt3alwOBQSCgGFxHZch-ipoX5Z/s320/man.jpg" /></a></div>The title of an article, published in the July 18th, 2010 edition of Arab News, rubbed me the wrong way! The title of the article was, "Saudis Warned Against Marrying Foreign Women". The headline makes it sound like the foreign women are the source of the problem. I see it another way.<br />
<br />
There are many foreign women, from a multitude of nationalities, living here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with their Saudi husbands - happily! Many of these marriages have lasted for numerous years. <br />
<br />
The problems discussed in the article, including wives and children left homeless and sexually transmitted diseases are a reult of young Saudis travelling abroad looking for fun and excitement. Because they consider themselves "Good" Muslims, they enter into "marriages" (I use the term loosely) with foreign women while abroad. Their only intention is self satisfaction.<br />
<br />
They rarely tell the woman that they are only marrying her for a short while. Most foreign women, unfamiliar with this game, assume that the men are truly smitten and really wish to marry them. After the woman submits, the man divorces her and leaves the country. If a child is conceived, the man denies any involvement and any responsibility. <br />
<br />
Gentlemen, call it what you want, this is not marriage. In Islam, a man has duties in marriage. He must present a dowry to the woman and he must support her and her children. Temporary marriages are forbidden.<br />
<br />
Taking advantage of a woman for your own pleasure, failing to support her and failing to acknowlede your offspring is haram! You are only fooling yourself. It doesn't matter where the woman is from - India, Asia, Europe or America. Would you accept such a marriage for your sister? - I think not. <br />
<br />
I'd like to conclude with a piece of advice for the "foreign" women out there. Be Careful! Be careful, if you are dating a Saudi man or if you are thinking about marrying one. Make sure that he has the permission of the Saudi government to take a foreign wife and make sure that his family is aware and accepting of you. Don't believe everything that he tells you. Saudi men love to please. They may tell you something because they think it will make you happy. Others will tell you something just to get what they want.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-67970983049767995892010-07-16T17:43:00.000+03:002010-07-16T17:44:12.163+03:00My Niqab Doesn't Bother Me - Why should it Bother you.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7YCMZIbXI1EdHrP2P6FIekQGXDEZSE0R1iHEXwoVCIXUf5CDVgYAA1ED3x583l7tfyzLIofVh-RUu4DsCkeWIdWY0D_B64825oTeVj4HJzkEw0ixz7ipFmuftk8MeK7UPOSHz5S4LeC-/s1600/madina+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7YCMZIbXI1EdHrP2P6FIekQGXDEZSE0R1iHEXwoVCIXUf5CDVgYAA1ED3x583l7tfyzLIofVh-RUu4DsCkeWIdWY0D_B64825oTeVj4HJzkEw0ixz7ipFmuftk8MeK7UPOSHz5S4LeC-/s320/madina+009.jpg" /></a></div>The right to wear niqab is a personal freedom. If I want to wear it, why should it bother you. Why should I be forced to remove it just because you don't like it. It seems to me that many Western nations advocate freedom in principal but only as long as they agree. Countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia are berated in the Western press for forcing women to dress a certain way -but isn't a ban on niqab the same thing. Recently, Canada instituted a ban on wearing the niqab in public. They called it "medieval" and "misogynist". Many in Canada agree, even some Muslims. Raheel Raza, a Muslim "women's rights" activist has argued for a ban on the niqab stating that ,"When people come to Canada, We're not coming to the Islamic Republic of Canada. We are coming here because we want a separation of church and state."- Well,not necessarily, maybe we just want to visit or study. French President Nicholas Sarkozy declared that "The Burqa/niqab is not welcome in France" calling it an affront to French values and saying that it denigrates women. A quote in a recent London Observer article makes a valid point, a woman named Kheira (with her niqab tucked away inside her handbag) said, "France is suppose to be a free country, nowadays women have the right to take their clothes off but not to put them on." On his recent visit to the United States, Muslim scholar, Tariq Ramadan, Professor of Islamic Studies at Oxford University argued that,"The French...are responding to the burka and the niqab by restricting freedom and I think that's not going to work. We have to be very cautious not to translate every sensitive issue into a legal issue". Most Islamic scholars would agree that wearing the niqab or full face veil isn't a reqirement of Islam. In fact, Muslim women on the hajj or while praying cannot cover their faces; but it is a cultural tradition, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the Arab Gulf states. Sheikh Mohammed Sayed Tantawi, former dean of Egypt's Al-Azhar University who passed away on March 10, 2010, caused an uproar in a Cairo School when he told a young girl to remove her face veil. He later issued a fatwa stating the the niqab was a tradition and has no place in Islam. Yes, it is a cultural tradition and women should be free to practice and carry on their traditions. Women wear the niqab to preserve their dignity and modesty- many women are quite comfortable with it. In most cases, it's a personal choice. It's not oppression. And by the way, being forced to remove it <b>IS</b> oppression.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-59696540252637824642010-07-12T11:34:00.000+03:002010-07-12T11:34:17.049+03:00Spinsters in Saudi Arabia - An Epidemic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVTA7SJAgLm9_FWvpxiEp0DAsl7wFPABz_JOBkmVXG2iFN9gzfPrAg9m2sOHF57WXSjuQXRxwBNA_-PY8VsCMdErwEngJDucGGEoOkXIzQsstPEhWNXOLHLL14g-6sXOfMOHi0AtNEiYN/s1600/lonely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVTA7SJAgLm9_FWvpxiEp0DAsl7wFPABz_JOBkmVXG2iFN9gzfPrAg9m2sOHF57WXSjuQXRxwBNA_-PY8VsCMdErwEngJDucGGEoOkXIzQsstPEhWNXOLHLL14g-6sXOfMOHi0AtNEiYN/s320/lonely.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The recent census performed by the Saudi Ministry of Planning has uncovered a shocking epidemic - Spinsterhood. A spinster is defined as, "a woman who has remained single beyond the conventional age for marrying", here in Saudi Arabia it is usually applied to any woman over the age of 25 or 30. Socially, these women are thought to be less desirable. They are thought to be unable to bear children as easily as a younger women or unable to bear as many children. People often say, "Something must be wrong with her, if no one has married her yet". <br />
<br />
"Spinster" is an offensive term, suggesting that a woman is "expired" or "unworthy" after a certain age. Recent statistics have stated that there are more than 1.5 million spinsters in the Kingdom or 18.5% of Saudi women. <br />
<br />
"Spinster" is a scare word used to bully women into marriages with "whomever comes around and asks for their hand". It's a form of social control. These women are seen as abnormal or pitiful or unfulfilled. They do not have what "real women" have (i.e. a husband and children). They are seen as burdens on their families. Such desperation has even caused one woman to offer 60000SR ($16,000) to the person who finds her a decent husband.<br />
<br />
If there is any hope of curing this epidemic, the first step is to find out what is causing it.<br />
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If you ask young Saudi men, the answer is clear - the young women and their families are asking for way too much. They expect houses, gold, cash, wedding expenses - the average being 50000SR (a lot for a young man just starting out). It's gotten so ridiculous that a group of young men have started an on-line campaign entitled, "Let Her Become a Spinster!". This campaign is encouraging Saudi men to boycott marrying Saudi women because of the high dowries and extravagant marriage costs.<br />
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Young Saudi women have other explanations. For one, they say there are few good men to choose from. As the Saudi women become more educated and successful, they are finding it difficult to find suitable marriage partners.<br />
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Few Saudi men are willing to marry a woman who is more educated or more successful than he;and a woman who works is believed to be incapable of taking adequate care of her husband and family.<br />
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Saudi women also complain bitterly about Saudi men marrying foreign women.<br />
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Whatever the reason or combination of reasons, it's clear that something needs to be done. Recently, a group of men has proposed that all Saudi men, capable of supporting four wives should marry four Saudi women. Of course, I'm quite sure that this will drive up the divorce rate, leaving the society with an equally high number of single, divorced women and it won't help the young man's plight.<br />
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Best of all, perhaps society should change to acknowledge the worth of women over 30. In a society that prides itself on following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, I have yet to hear a man say, "the first wife of the Prophet was 15 years older then he and was a successful business women - I want to marry an older, successful businesswoman, like the Prophet."Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-10678298732075969492010-06-28T18:17:00.000+03:002010-06-28T18:17:46.753+03:00Saudi Students - Donate Your Old Textbooks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MZb6loPVA2IXleB-AQbhrVUA89VBXXXKcN5huNSGRsoHdCRNQGSmxhyFtUju7GHN5Uz6eUbIz5bX6BNoYKqpoz_s26MoDb45ur2PjZ9FXVVxycfLt0AaKDNLCDhoRVsvQKc_Vrp1t8GY/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MZb6loPVA2IXleB-AQbhrVUA89VBXXXKcN5huNSGRsoHdCRNQGSmxhyFtUju7GHN5Uz6eUbIz5bX6BNoYKqpoz_s26MoDb45ur2PjZ9FXVVxycfLt0AaKDNLCDhoRVsvQKc_Vrp1t8GY/s200/books.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><br />
At the end of each school year in Saudi Arabia, millions of books are thrown out into the streets, run over by cars and even set on fire. These textbooks are given to each Saudi student at the beginning of the year at no charge. The students seem to have little regard or respect for their books. <br />
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I can't stop thinking about this. It makes me sad. It's so wasteful. It needs to stop! At the very least, the books should be collected for recycling to benefit the environment.<br />
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But I would like to suggest a better idea. There are many other children, all over the world who are less fortunate. Children that live in countries that are poor and unable to provide books or other materials for their students. These children would love to have a textbook, even if it is slightly used.<br />
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The youth of Saudi Arabia are frequently complaining about being bored. Perhaps they could begin a campaign to collect used textbooks and distribute them to children in other countries. <br />
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There is a web-site called "Books for Africa" that has a simple mission - to distribute books to areas on the continent of Africa which have few books available. I'm sure these children would appreciate the books. <br />
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Participating in a project like this would contribute to Saudi society in a number of ways. It would help to keep the streets of Saudi Arabia clean and free of debris. It would teach the youth to do something that is worthwhile with their time. Perhaps it would help the young people understand the value of the books they are discarding. It would improve the image of Saudi Arabia in the eyes of the world. Those whom are blessed are entrusted with valuable resources, should learn to be responsible with them.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-13202830431345954592010-06-28T14:24:00.000+03:002010-06-28T14:24:42.879+03:00Competent & Courteous Driving - A Crime in Saudi Arabia?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0DUe7iet-ZocUPX_CXviisEXs9L6O-Gba-l1TFpHC6zrwFq1Ndtyh5f19h8ThSsy9S2HV0_Fok_c8wtumCQNAIhFhFcJheYZDYzGYtZmzSuOGyBqN6A5y3OYYJEghyphenhyphenYXs8rTUa8FUodz/s1600/plane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0DUe7iet-ZocUPX_CXviisEXs9L6O-Gba-l1TFpHC6zrwFq1Ndtyh5f19h8ThSsy9S2HV0_Fok_c8wtumCQNAIhFhFcJheYZDYzGYtZmzSuOGyBqN6A5y3OYYJEghyphenhyphenYXs8rTUa8FUodz/s320/plane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>For months now, I have been complaining bitterly about the unbelievably bad driving behaviors exhibited on the roads and expressways of Saudi Arabia - including running red lights, speeding and a general negligence and irresponsibility. Well, it appears that the situation has reached a new low.<br />
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On June 23rd, a Saudi Arabian Airlines pilot of a Boeing 777 (who has remained nameless) was on his way to work at the airport in Jeddah. As has been his habit for over 20 years, he allowed himself plenty of time to arrive at his destination. Two things are extremely important to any pilot - being on time and safety. But on this day, his safety got him into trouble with the law.<br />
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Following proper procedures, both in the air and on the ground has always been second nature to him. The pilot was driving cautiously and maintaining the legal speed limit when he noticed that he was being followed by a grey car. It seemed strange to him because other cars continually passed him - but not the grey car.<br />
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The pilot proceeded down the road. As he approached an intersection, the color of the stoplight changed from amber to red. Being a respectful driver, the pilot stopped. Upon doing so, the undercover policeman in the grey car came to his car window and demanded his I.D. The pilot asked the officer why he was being stopped and the policemen told him, "You are being stopped for competent and courteous driving."<br />
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This is no joke! The officer assumed that since the pilot was obeying all of the rules of driving, he must be hiding something. But the story doesn't end here.<br />
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The policeman called for back-up. In all, six more police cars were dispatched to the scene. The officers methodically and meticulously combed through every centimeter of the car looking for contraband - none was found. Two hours later, the poor pilot was released without so much as an apology, and sent on his way; he still arrived at the airport on time and without inconveniencing any of his passengers.<br />
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No wonder bad driving behaviors continue. The police are too busy stopping and searching the good drivers!Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5439853640922305558.post-21060211349062998112010-06-21T10:04:00.000+03:002010-06-21T10:04:08.148+03:00Teacher in Saudi Arabia Says, "If You Want the Answers, Kiss my ______"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwG51CIlvnEXfS3rGoLQDsol3uXXb2omS5bXwds_hiorT8_rpo0fK-K66US5ImljZKvErCFXONf_Qpiny2TPDVqSWZPaQluqx8n7VWgiANMTNreVTIFGr6S8YbdgrfxF8B83XVz8fSp1D/s1600/exam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwG51CIlvnEXfS3rGoLQDsol3uXXb2omS5bXwds_hiorT8_rpo0fK-K66US5ImljZKvErCFXONf_Qpiny2TPDVqSWZPaQluqx8n7VWgiANMTNreVTIFGr6S8YbdgrfxF8B83XVz8fSp1D/s320/exam.jpg" /></a></div>The end of the school year in Saudi Arabia is drawing near and students from elementary school to university are studying for final exams. Final exam time puts pressure on the entire family. Children would prefer to do anything else, rather than study for exams. The World Cup has presented an even greater challenge than usual.<br />
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Cheating has been a problem in the past and continues to be a problem. Boys and girls use all of the old tricks - some pull a Sarah Palin and write the answers on their hands others hire impersonators to enter the exam hall and take the exams for them. Just in the past week, three impersonators were caught and last semester seven were caught. (Personally, I'm surprised this isn't more wide-spread, Saudis are so use to paying others to work for them)<br />
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But apparently, teachers are under pressure too. In a bizarre incident at an international, private school in Riyadh; a mathematics teachers allegedly gave his students the unenviable choice of kissing his feet in order to receive the exam questions or kissing his forehead to receive an extra ten points. The incident is currently under investigation and has caused outrage in the community, with parents and administrators calling for the teacher's dismissal. The teacher, a Syrian national, has been absent from school and unavailable for comment.Laura of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00349343168454546485noreply@blogger.com1