Some Saudis are under the impression that they exist in a "special" society, and that their customs and traditions are highly valued and envied elsewhere. Being natives of the land that houses Islam's two holiest sites also adds to that feeling of being "privileged". But is that how the rest of the world sees them? Not according to Rila, a Sri Lankan who offers his opinion on what is wrong with such Saudis. He was responding to a recent column on frivolous fatwas (edicts) that I had written. He writes: "Every Tom, Dick and Harry has started issuing fatwas not only on marriage but in other fields tarnishing the image of Islam, Muslims and Arabs. These are confirmed by the 'Muslim issue' articles that appear in the international press every so often. The government of Saudi Arabia should do something about these problems. “Please take note of the following in Saudi Arabia. Saudi society takes the institution of marriage very lightly, which means without much responsibility attached. Saudis marry in haste and repent in waste. The only purpose in life for most unintelligent Saudi men is to marry and only to marry. They select any prospective female who comes their way cheap with a low dowry. “Divorce is an easy way out for men in Saudi Arabia and in all Muslim countries and they need not pay any maintenance costs or alimony to the woman who has been divorced except for the dowry which has already been spent or taken by the father or guardian. Divorced women are left high and dry on the road. There should be some humanitarian considerations for the poor souls, until they are remarried. “Most Saudis think of food as bread only and very respectfully do not throw bread into garbage bins and sometimes leave it in plastic bags hanging on the wall or from light posts. However, they throw rice, kabsa or biriyani, and leftover meat into garbage bins. Most Saudis very enthusiastically donate for the construction of mosques and wells or similar charitable projects, but are very reluctant to extend financial or other means of support for those who find it difficult to make a living, build a shelter, pay for schooling, buy medicine, settle a loan, etc. “I have also come across a few Saudis who were very generous in donating for the building of mosques and for other charitable deeds but yet were very stingy in giving a few extra riyals to their driver or housemaid for any extra work that they did. These same people were also capable of throwing large parties and inviting many guests while not even sparing a plate of food for their driver in the same house under the pretext that they were giving him a food allowance. The remaining food was dumped into garbage bins. “It is very rare that Saudi mothers inquire about the educational well-being of their children in the schools they attend, while fathers are either away from home or busy with their jobs. “Saudis and most Arab expatriates are used to nocturnal life activities and this affects all their normal daytime activities. They visit relatives, do their marketing, go to the beach, go camping, spend idle time gossiping until late at night and the next day they they show up late and sleepy at school and at the office. “There is utter and sheer waste in all spheres of life of many Muslims here, while at the same time there others who are suffering in neighboring countries. Please excuse me if anything stated here irritates you in any way. Rila” This is one perception of Saudis by an expatriate, perhaps based on his individual experiences. There is an element of realism in what he says. To deny that would be to deny the truth. The question is what do we do about it?
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