The article "Open arms" (Nov. 22) reports on a young Saudi in Riyadh who is carrying out a Free Hugs Campaign to spread love and friendliness. However, hugging between Muslims is an established tradition both in Islam in some instances and as in culture in others whether in the Arab world or elsewhere. So what is the need to bring something to the Kingdom where you embarrass people on the streets by claiming to hug them to promote whatever you claim to promote? The West is in need of such practices because of a myriad of reasons whereas Muslims especially in Saudi Arabia are in no need of hugging to imitate them and can instead benefit from their advancements in science and technology. Dr Wasim Ahmed, Online response II. I found it interesting that one of the individuals who criticized this young man for spreading the most simple act of providing support, love, and kindness described him as "having psychological problems". Psychological research has repeatedly shown the benefits of human touch in regards to not only our mental well-being, but even our physical health. This young Saudi man is actually the image of what it means to be psychologically healthy. Kimberly Mominah, Online response
