Faleh Al-Dhubyani Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — There is a pressing need to employ Saudi women in the areas of awareness and guidance, said Sheikh Abdul Latif Aal Alsheikh, President of the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Hai'a). Alsheikh told Okaz/Saudi Gazette in an exclusive interview that in the light of this need he hoped a recruitment drive would take place soon. The women will work under the supervision of an independent women's department as is usually the case with government agencies, he added Alsheikh said the role of Hai'a members and officials in Haj will be limited to ensuring the pilgrims' comfort besides providing them with guidance they need to perform their rituals. Answering a question about book fairs and reports that Hai'a officers confiscate the books there, he said the books' authors are responsible for the content and the Ministry of Culture and Information is directly involved in approving books as this task comes under its jurisdiction. He said this demonstrates the commission has nothing to do with the approval of books or any other publication. He said the role of the Hai'a is to report any violation to the ministry but not confiscate any book. The commission fully adheres to the directives of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, he added. He said the directives of King Abdullah concerning the pilgrims' comfort were very important. This is why Hai'a members will never enter any tent or house during Haj and their role will be confined to enlightening pilgrims about the rituals, he said. The commission members will distribute 3 million booklets and other materials focusing on Haj rituals translated into various languages, he added. Apart from this, the Hai'a will organize exhibitions at their centers at the holy sites that showcase the government services available for pilgrims and expansions carried out in the two holy mosques to meet the growing numbers of Haj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors.
