Saudi Gazette report AL-RASS — The Kingdom's regions are rich with customs and traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Such traditions seek to preserve family values, tribal ties and pass on the experiences of past generations. However, in rural communities, there are many patriarchal and sexist traditions that deny women an identity and basic rights that are otherwise guaranteed to them in Islam. Many women have lived as captives of the culture of shame and have become so used to their situations that they accept social conformity and their husbands' hegemony as rules that must be followed. Seetah Muhammad lives in a tribal society in a cluster of villages that fall under the jurisdiction of Al-Hinakiah. Believed to be over 60, Seetah does not recall a single day during which her late husband sat with her at the same table to have a meal, as he considered eating with his wife to be shameful. “I had to take my meals in the kitchen with my young daughter. A wife's freedom in some tribal societies is something that is denied and she has absolutely no rights. Her husband looks down on her and considers her less than a housemaid. This is the experience that I had living in a tribal society. The concept of freedom is a poisoned subject for such men,” she said. Helayyil (Umm Salim) lives in a tribal society in Al-Kharj. Even though she is not convinced they are right, tribal laws control every aspect of her life, including when she can leave the house, who she can meet and how she should talk to her husband. “My marital life has very limited freedom. Tribal norms control my life and everything is fine so long as I follow these customs and traditions. I am now over 56 years of age and I know my limits very well. I never exceed them and safeguard these customs and traditions for the sake of my children. Arguing with my husband, discussing political matters and reading magazines are shameful matters that a woman in tribal society must never do,” she said. As for possessing a mobile phone that has a camera, “This is absolutely forbidden. I live in a tribe of unjust norms and traditions. Regrettably, they are still existent despite the progress all over the country,” she added. Sociologist Salim Al-Omar said some traditions being observed by members of tribal societies make women feel like they are in prison. “There are women who are always veiled even before their husbands. A wife does not dare argue with her husband. All she has to do is say ‘yes'. Husbands who follow such backward practices and treat their wives cruelly are sick. They have any form of compassion for others and do not realize that freedom has been guaranteed for all by Allah Almighty. A wife has been granted the freedom to think, work and practice her life according to the Shariah. If she loses this freedom or she is divested of it, her life turns into an unbearable hell,” he said. “Women and their families have the right to fight traditions that are not part of Islam. Such traditions are considered to be backward, regressive and cruel. “A wife who is subject to such traditions and maltreatment is likely to suffer from chronic psychological disorders,” he added.
