Officials of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (the Hai'a) will be tasked with promoting virtue and preventing vice without getting involved in wrongdoing themselves, said Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Bin Abdulaziz Aal Al-Sheikh, the new General President of the organization. In a telephone interview with Okaz/Saudi Gazette, shortly after being appointed in a Royal Decree on Friday, Aal Al-Sheikh added that he did not want to elaborate at this stage about the Hai'a's work under his leadership. “I pray to Allah to help me succeed in shouldering the responsibility and the great task I have been entrusted with and to achieve the aspirations of the righteous King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Naif (may Allah protect them).” Asked about his priorities and plans, he said, “God willing, the picture will become clearer in the coming few days. I want you to see the deeds and not the words and then pass your judgment. I don't want to say anything prematurely before the events take place.” The new Hai'a chief promised that the Hai'a will represent the needs and aspirations of Saudi society. “The Hai'a staffers are your brothers and they are all sons of one nation. Each one of them will carry out his duty and he will be asked by Allah Almighty how well he has shouldered his responsibility. I cannot promise anything now. God willing, the coming days will reveal matters that will please everyone.” Aal Al-Sheikh sent a message to all the Hai'a staff, saying: “I pray to Allah to help you shoulder your responsibilities and to carry out your functions to please Allah Almighty and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince. I hope your approach to work will be to enjoin virtue and prevent vice without vice.” Aal Al-Sheikh is known for his moderate views. In a research on women's work, he said there was nothing wrong with women working as long as the nature of work and the work place are not forbidden in Islam. He said Allah had permitted it and legislated protections for it that are concerned with where the woman works and with whom she associates. He said many situations required women to work like when they have to meet the financial needs of their families or fulfill the needs of the society. In a reference to working as cashiers, he said there was nothing wrong with women dealing with customers who may be men, as the nature of dealing is instant and is carried out under surveillance cameras. Moreover, such workplaces are also frequented by government officials such as the members of the Hai'a. He cited examples of women working during the Prophetic era to support this view. Moreover, he said, supermarkets are frequented by thousands of women. He, however, emphasized that such jobs should not prevent them from their Islamic obligations such as Hijab and prayer. Also, a woman must maintain her outward and inward modesty and chastity, he added. Aal Al-Sheikh also pointed out that the most important role for a woman is motherhood. This was the special role for which Allah created her and honored her for, he said. But it doesn't mean she should only be restricted to the home, Aal Al-Sheikh added. __
