The message of the new president of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Hai'a) to the commission's staff was not a mere motto. The expression “Promotion of virtue with virtue and prevention of vice without vice” reflects a work approach and a view of how this should be put into practice. Dr. Abul Lateef Aal Al-Sheikh will lead Hai'a in putting that expression into practice,which means the commission will continue its task to promote virtue and prevent vice without its staff getting involved in some wrongdoings themselves. The Hai'a's first clear task is to rectify its stereotype image held by the general public and to change the public's impression with more positive viewpoint. This reflects the many changes in our social outlook, particularly among young men and women, as the Kingdom marches toward the road of progress. Any society, including our society, can neither be described as absolutely good nor absolutely evil. Values are often said to be relative, so it is necessary to bridge some differences and agree on changing norms without abandoning the old virtues that we hold dear. If this measure is carried out — and it should be carried out — it will open the door wide for reconciliation of some differences in social outlook and the responsibilities that go along with it. It is a rule that will guide the Hai'a in dealing with society in a manner that will safeguard the dignity of the men and women in our society and our security which we aspire for. In an interview with Okaz/Saudi Gazette, the Hai'a chief, who was appointed by a Royal Decree to head the organization on Friday, did not elaborate on what he plans to do, saying that he wanted to emphasize on “deeds and not words” upon which the public could make its evaluation and judgement. We all hope and pray that in the coming days the Hai'a president will be able to implement his plans to go hand in hand with the many reforms which have been carried out in our country in almost all fields and levels over the years. Carrying out this tasks is not easy as it is almost daunting to narrow the difference in people's outlooks or viewpoints and at the same time adopt enlightened reforms while defending some old values that we consider to be virtuous. But we have to sustain the momentum of the nation's gains and try to reach a meeting point in which most, if not all, social sectors can agree in order for us to build a sound and healthy society that is capable of meeting the challenges of the future. Despite the hurdles that the Hai'a faces, the difficult tasks are worth taking in our pursuit to achieve the Kingdom's sublime goals. __
