I am writing with regard to the article "Why are there so many unmarried Saudi women?" (Nov. 28). Islam is the religion sent down by Almighty Allah. Islam provides a perfect solution to all needs and problems of human kind for all times to come. However, problems arise when we start creating rules for ourselves in the name of national culture and civilization which are different from what is prescribed by Islam. Some Saudis are following Saudi culture and not the true Islamic way for marriage. Hence there is a problem. The dowry demanded by a woman's father is a major hurdle. There is no dowry in Islam. Mohammad, Online response
Islam has clearly laid down a procedure. The prospective marriage partners must like each other. They are permitted to meet and talk to each other and come to an agreement. If everything is okay, the man has a right to ask the woman to remove her head cover to see her hair. All of this is done in the presence of an elderly relative. The real problem is with some Saudi women who appear to be very tough, and who talk about their rights but not their obligations. The problem is also the dowry demanded by the woman's father.
Abu Sabri, Online response
When will we stop talking and do something about this? I hear this complaint again and again but I don't see anyone serving up healthy solutions. It's about time we Muslims understand we can't keep complaining about problems; we need solutions. I don't see any serious attempt being made to eradicate this problem. It should be referred to senior scholars in hopes of finding a solution. Allow them to determine for some parents good marriage partners for their children since most men seem to be too busy to look for spouses for their daughters.
