Reformist Saudi Author: Religious Cassettes Advocate Jihad by Emphasizing Martyr’s Sexual Rewards
In a November 15, 2005 article in the Saudi daily Al-Iqtisadiyya, Sa’ad Al-Sowayan, a reformist Saudi researcher and columnist argued that religious cassettes, which are widely available in Saudi Arabia, advocate Jihad by emphasizing the sexual reward awaiting the martyr in Paradise. This is aimed at tempting teenagers who can find no sexual release in conservative Arab society. An English translation of the article was published in the Saudi Gazette on November 17. [1]
The following are excerpts from the translation:Religious Cassettes Promoting Jihad
“So ubiquitous are the religious cassette shops that they are outnumbered only by groceries… The bulk of cassettes sold in these stalls are motivational. On closer scrutiny, you will realize that their contents are confined to a system of thought that serves to prepare youth to accept its ideas, yield to them, and adopt its Jihad program.
“These cassettes mostly urge people to carry out Jihad through taking up arms, without specifying the zero hour or the Jihad battlefield. As such they advocate Jihad for Jihad’s sake. It’s a mobilization campaign in which Jihad becomes a state of mind, a mode of living. They want you to give up this foul and mean earthly life, renounce worldly pleasures, devote your life to Jihad, and seek to die in the Jihad battlefield so as to win martyrdom.”
Spiritual Martyrdom is Reduced to Jihad for Lust
“The basic Islamic issue – carrying out Da’wa (Islamic propagation), calling people to Allah, spreading monotheism (Tawheed), security and Islam, establishing justice, and treating people on equal terms – is reduced to a marginal matter in comparison to the pleasures in the Hereafter that the martyr can win, pleasures that supersede worldly pleasures and must be given up.
“The modern martyr has thus reduced spiritual martyrdom [for the sake of Allah] to a Jihad for lust, for the utmost pleasure and intoxication a Nirvana state of mind.
“The Jihad cassette describes the path that must be followed in order to win martyrdom and deserve the Hoor Al-Een fair females with wide, lovely eyes. It reduces the lofty objective of spiritual martyrdom to mere lust and a selfish search for sexual pleasure, regardless of what martyrdom can achieve for the public interest or for upholding Allah’s word.
MEMRI provides excerpts a translation of an opinion piece appearing in the Saudi Arabic Al-Iqtisadiya. According to the article, extremist imams are using the medium of cassette tapes to leverage the pent up sexual desires of young men to turn them into terrorists. The author calls for a reappraisal of the issues of sex and relations between the sexes as a critical means of reducing the attraction toward death and jihad. And interesting piece, worth reading the whole thing.
Va. Man Convicted In Plot to Kill Bush
Defendant Claimed Confession Coerced
Jerry Markon — The Washington PostA federal jury convicted a Falls Church man yesterday of plotting to kill President Bush, concluding that Ahmed Omar Abu Ali joined an al Qaeda conspiracy to mount a series of Sept. 11-style attacks and assassinations in the United States.
The trial in U.S. District Court in Alexandria was the first in an American criminal courtroom to rely so heavily on evidence gathered by a foreign intelligence service. Security officers from Saudi Arabia, where Abu Ali was jailed for 20 months, provided the bulk of the government’s case, testifying via video from the kingdom.
The Washington Post carries this front-page story on the conviction of Ahmed Omar Abu Ali on nine terrorism-related charges, relying primarily on the cooperation of Saudi security and prison officials. While Abu Ali famously alleged that his taped confession was the result of coercion through torture, neither the judge nor jury found that to be credible.
Among the witnesses called to refute the allegation was an American Consular Officer, Charlie Glatz, with whom I worked in Riyadh. I know Charlie well enough to know that, as a Consul strongly protective of Americans’ rights in Saudi jails, he would not miss signs of torture. Nor would he perjur himself to protect the Saudi government.
Abu Ali’s involvement was uncovered after Saudi security forces learned of his activities through a Saudi terrorist caught up in an unrelated arrest. They informed US authorities and began watching his activities. This case demonstrates US-Saudi cooperation against terror the way we expect it to be done. Read the story for the details.
Millennium Fund to Support 280 Projects
P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab NewsJEDDAH, 23 November 2005 — The Millennium Fund, one of the economic reforms introduced by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, was launched Monday night, offering financial aid worth SR150 million to young Saudi men and women who intend to open own businesses.
Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah, chairman of its board of trustees, received a donation of SR80 million from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and an SR70 million-credit offer from National Commercial Bank (NCB) during the launching ceremony in Riyadh. The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), which organized the ceremony, said the fund’s new initiative would help young Saudis establish 280 projects and create more than 4,000 jobs during the next five years.
One of the ways the Saudi government is seeking to handle its growing unemployment problem is through encouraging entrepreneurs. As in the US, small businesses create many more jobs than do major businesses. And since these new companies are being set up by young Saudis, there will probably not be the onus of taking jobs in them as there is in established companies. The article notes that both men and women will be taking advantage of this assistance.
Saudi Arabia: Over 400 Extremist Released in the Last Six Months
By Sultan Al-ObathaniJeddah, Asharq Al-Awsat- – Dr. Mohamamd al Nujaimi, member of the Advisory Committee at the Saudi Ministry of Interior and the Chairman of the Civil Studies Department at the King Fahd Security College revealed that more than 400 extremists have been released in the last six months.
He indicated that the Committee and the Ministry of Education were collaborating on a project to disseminate advice in schools, institutes, colleges and universities across the Kingdom, adding that school directors and deputies were currently being trained for this purpose.
“These steps and studies aim at eradicating extremist ideologies before they manifest themselves and safeguard the though of our youths and that of future generationsâ€, AL Nujaimi said.
Despite an ambiguously worded headlline–or perhaps because of it–this article is certain to cause consternation in American readers.
“Released” is, maybe, the right word, as in “released into a supervised reformation system”. Those so “released” have to attend classes in which their errors are explained and they are given an opportunity to recant those errors. If this leads to a change in behavior, then it’s a good program. If it only leads to their mouthing the right words, then it’s a wasted effort and perhaps counterproductive.
The Saudis have had some success in the past in applying religious and social pressure on miscreants, truly effecting reform. As this group is one that has not actually undertaken violent acts, this may be exactly the right approach. But it is sure to raise questions among those already skeptical of Saudi intentions.
A senior Saudi official’s in-depth explanation of this program would be welcomed. I’ll see what I can find out.
“Saudi Arabia: Preparing for the Expansion of Female Employment”.
Mirza al-Khuwaylidi
Asharq al-Awsat interviewed Dr Wafaa’ Al-Rashidi, a female Saudi development consultant who holds a PhD in international relations and diplomacy, about the female perspective on future career opportunities and their relationship with society.
The interview goes as follows:
Q) How would you analyze the current condition of female labor?
A) The present condition can hardly be analyzed within this short interview. There are several various, economic, social and religious pressures upon women. From my point of view, what distinguishes the Saudi women of today from the Saudi women of the past is that Saudi women have become more persistent in removing the restraints represented by social heritage, and to state her role in the national economy. Some women travel for miles everyday to work, while others would spend half their salary on transport for work. This is especially the case for women who are divorced or whose families have suffered from the rise in unemployment leaving the women to bring in the main source of income. I believe that Saudi female workers in the field of healthcare, education, and banking have been successful. However, in other fields, it has not been as successful, while other sectors have been prohibited for women until recently.
This is an interesting interview, focusing on the current status of women in the Saudi workplace. It’s clear that much remains to be done, but equally clear that progress is being made. Note particularly, Dr. Al-Rashidi’s comments concerning men’s attitudes toward working under a female superior. Follow the link and read the whole thing.
Focus on Empowerment of Women
P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab NewsJEDDAH, 22 November 2005 — Saudi Arabia’s new five-year plan, which was approved by the Council of Ministers yesterday, focuses on the empowerment of women, privatization of state-owned corporations, setting up of strategic industries, and the development of mining and tourism sectors.
The Cabinet meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, also expressed its happiness over the approval given by the WTO General Council to Saudi Arabia’s accession to the organization as its 149th member.
The Cabinet emphasized the importance of the WTO membership and urged all economic sectors to meet accession requirements to help the Kingdom compete with other world players and strengthen its economy. Saudi Arabia will become a full member of the World Trade Organization on Dec. 11 and participate in the WTO ministerial council meeting in Hong Kong.
The 8th Five-Year Development Plan (2005-2010), which has been endorsed by the Shoura Council, includes a number of projects and programs that are directly linked with the welfare of citizens and improvement of their living conditions, the Saudi Press Agency reported, quoting Culture and Information Minister Iyad Madani.
“The plan envisages greater participation of women in economic and developmental activities by implementing programs to improve their capabilities and removing obstacles that stand in the way of their wider participation,†Madani said while explaining its salient features.
The new Five Year Economic Plan for Saudi Arabia will be a critical one. There are serious economic problems looming just over the horizon, particularly employment for a quickly expanding population. If these problems aren’t resolved now, then they will be a great source of instability in the near future. With current high oil prices, the kingdom has gotten a second chance to make the best use of budget surpluses. This plan, as reported here, looks to be realistically targeted.
Al-Harbi Case Sparks Debate
Ebtihal Mubarak, Arab NewsJEDDAH, 21 November 2005 — The case of Mohammad Al-Harbi, the high school teacher charged with mocking religion and sentenced to three years in prison and 750 lashes, has not attracted attention only in the local press. Both Saudi columnists and the Saudi street in general strongly attacked what is widely seen as a harsh and unjust sentence.
The case has been a prime topic on Saudi Internet forums with Saudis of both sexes from all over the country joining in the discussions. The majority showed deep concern, not simply for Al-Harbi but also for other important factors that have been raised as a result of the case’s publicity.
Many Saudis asked about the efficiency and fairness of the Saudi legal system; others severely criticized the absence of the Ministry of Education’s participation in a case that not only affects a teacher’s career but also affects the future of Saudi students who are apparently being taught by some teachers who sympathize with terrorists.
A Saudi living in Canada was so moved by the case that he got Al-Harbi’s permission to set up a website dedicated to the case. (The version for English speakers is: www.malharbi.com/en/home.html). The site not only gives people the full story which has been in the local media but it also provides substantial background information about Al-Harbi and his struggle with his fundamentalist colleagues at the school in Al-Qassim region. Those who visit the site have the option of posting their comments in the guest book. There is also an online petition requesting the Saudi authorities to intervene directly in Al-Harbi’s case.
The website includes information on cases similar to Al-Harbi’s — specifically those pertaining to Dr. Hamza Al-Maziani and another Saudi teacher, Mohammad Al-Suhaimi.
Dr. Al-Maziani, accused by one of his colleagues of defaming him and of saying that the Islamic textbooks used at King Saud University were radical, was sentenced to four months in prison and 275 lashes. His sentence, however, was subsequently overturned by Crown Prince — now King — Abdullah.
Al-Suhaimi was sentenced to three years in prison and 700 lashes. He was allegedly guilty of encouraging his students to indulge in homosexual activities and to commit adultery.
It’s not just the Western media that’s making a fuss about the apparent abuse of justice in the sentencing of Saudi school teacher Mohammed Al-Harbi. This piece from the Arab News indicates that Saudis are upset, even Saudis living abroad. This story has interesting details about other cases as well. Do read the whole thing.
Morocco: Americans and the Arabs discuss Religion and the State
Sayyed Wild AbahLast week; I visited Casablanca to attend the second symposium of the Arab-American Dialogue. I was in the company of many dear friends who are amongst the brightest of Arab intellectuals, and a distinguished group of American politicians and intellectuals who belong to the Conservatives (however, probably not the neo-conservatives).
I took part in the first symposium that was held in May of last year in Malta. Back then, the dialogue was general and lacked intricacy. In addition, there were many obstacles in the way of understanding. Thus, the conclusion of that meeting was limited. The second symposium however, took place under different conditions. Almost the same participants were there with the exception of some Syrian figures, and distinguished participants from Morocco and Saudi Arabia who had not attended in Malta, participated in the conference of Casablanca.The American-based Values Institute, which organized the symposium in cooperation with King Abdel Aziz Institute for Studies in Casablanca, picked an important and pertinent topic for the symposium that was problems of religion and politics in the American and the Arab contexts. My goal here will not be to present a review of the symposium but rather to highlight some of the main issues that captured the interest of the participants. Three main issues were particularly important, each of which I will refer to briefly.
This is an intriguing column from the Arabic Asharq Alawsat, concerning the Arab-American Dialogue. Important, core issues were being discussed, including the nature and source of political legitimacy, the role of religion in American political life (the actuality, not the ideal), and whether or not Iraq was a “suitable” laboratory for experimentation in democracy.
The writer found it to be a mixed bag of things, with not a lot of clear consensus, but that it definitely moved the discussion farther than it’s ever been before. I’ll see if I can find any transcripts or longer reports on the Dialogue. It truly looks to have made some important steps in understanding attitudes and possibilities. Read the linked article, though, for more details.
OIC Drafting Covenant to Combat Racism
Habib Shaikh, Arab NewsJEDDAH, 20 November 2005 — The Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGGE) of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), which is chaired by Saudi Arabia, is drafting an Islamic covenant on combating racial discrimination. It will highlight the inherent tolerance of Islam and the religion’s rejection of all forms of discrimination. The IGGE recommendation will be submitted to the ordinary session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) in Azerbaijan next year.
“This provides the IGGE with a rare opportunity to make it clear to the whole world that Islam, with its noble tenets and lofty ideals represents a significant turning point in the history of humanity,†OIC Secretary-General Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said addressing the 11th session of the IGGE at OIC headquarters here. In the speech, read by Ambassador Izzat Mufti, assistant secretary-general for political affairs, Ihsanoglu explained that bigotry and racial discrimination against Muslims were still rife and were now and then fuelled by attempts to defame the religion. There were double standards in international relations, foreign occupations, arbitrary economic measures and embargoes against certain countries, and exploitation of technology to disseminate Islamophobia.
“Colonial settlements and foreign occupation constitute a form of discrimination, xenophobia, exclusion and bigotry,†he said.
He stressed that in such a situation the international community must build relations based on upholding equality and dignity and making this century a time for establishing human rights for all, eliminating all forms of discrimination, and fostering a new climate for equal opportunities.
This Arab News article, reporting on the Organization of the Islamic Conference, might be a major breakthrough. But then, it might not. The first thing to note is that the word “racism” is not actually being used properly. The arguments being made have nothing to do with race per se, but with discrimination shown toward followers of particular religions.
If the OIC truly intends to tackle racism, it needs to do it across the board, not just create a pity fest for Muslims who feel maligned.
I will certainly accept that Muslims are receiving a great deal of abuse these days. Whether it’s informal, through Muslim-bashing blogs, Congressional blather, disproportionate government policies, or even Zionist propaganda (yes, it does exist), there’s a lot of stupid stuff out there that seeks to condemn Muslims on the basis of being Muslims.
There is also racism within Islam, against other manifestations of Islam. Extremist Sunnis not only offend, but kill followers of Shiism. Minority sects of Islam–the Alawis, the Druze–are often treated harshly by Sunnis. The Shi’a government in Iran has tried to forcefully suppress the followers of Baha’i, a syncretic religion.
The big issue hanging out there, of course, is anti-Semitism. Perhaps this was mentioned in the address which this article only reports. But I somehow doubt it.
Until Muslim governments seriously address the issue of anti-Semitism, though, efforts such as these are going to be seen as worse than nonsense. They will be seen as duplicitous. These governments must not only find a way, they must implement a way to stop mindless anti-Semitism from continuing to infect future generations. No matter which particular Jews are being condemned in the Quran, no matter what historical event is being recorded, the statements trashing other religions must not be permitted to extend to all followers of those religions.
Before the world will start listening to the OIC on matters of racism, the OIC must clean its own house first. Until it does so, it has no legitimacy making the argument.
Our Youth, Reforms and Future
Dr. Khaled Batarfi, kbatarfi@al-madina.comHow do you make your youth more responsible, humanistic, and appreciative of their country, heritage and art? How can you make them more loving and lovable, caring and considerate? What changes you should apply to your education system and the way children are brought up? And how can we help some of them be less self-centered, violent, and hateful of the different other?
Is this a tall order? Not if all concerns are symptoms of the same illness. Not if the medicine comes in one package. Not if the alternative is self-destruction.
Here’s a good op-ed from Khaled Batarfi, Editor of the Arabic Al-Madina newspaper.
He stating, bluntly, that Saudi Arabia has taken the road of least resistance in the past, allowing the loudest voices to intimidate the majority. Saudis recognize both that changes need to be made and what those change are, if the country is to face the 21st Century with any hope of success. Opting out of the world is not an option.
His concerns are about the pace of change. Building consensus–the traditional Saudi method of dealing with problems–works, but it may not work fast enough. Read the article; it’s a good one.
Extremism Rears Its Ugly Head
Tariq A. Al-Maeena, close_encounters@gawab.comTwo incidents that were reported in the local press this past week have shown that while the government is taking positive strides to stamp out fanaticism, there yet remain pockets of hard-line resistance, and sometimes from those appointed by the government.
Tariq Al-Maeena, writing in the Arab News, makes note of two stories that have been racing along the wires and into the blogs–particularly Muslim-bashing blogs.
The first concerns a teacher from Qassim, one of the hardline fundamentalist areas of the country. He was tried and convicted of assorted crimes related to blasphemy, interfering with religious ritual, “favoring Jews and Christians against Muslims” (?!!), and the catch-all “witchcraft”. His attorney, who was not permitted to offer a defense, is appealing the case which, in addition to jail time also includes 750 lashes.
The second concerns a reporter in Hail–an equally hardline province–who dared write about the teacher’s plight. In addition to having to deal with harrassing phone calls and a broken windshield on his car, he’s received death threats.
Al-Maeena is calling for the proper authorities–including the naiscent Saudi Human Rights organization and the Saudi Journalists’ Society–to step up and insist on correcting the first and stopping the second abuse.
While this kind of behavior could and did go on unremarked in the past, it’s no longer the case. In fact, it’s a good instance where the average Saudi is holding the authorities’ feet to the fire to practice what it preaches.
Helicopter Surveillance to Check Border Infiltration
M. Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Arab NewsRIYADH, 19 November 2005 — Saudi Arabia is planning to institute helicopter mounted border controls along the country’s frontier with Iraq. They will help check infiltration by illegal immigrants and the smuggling of arms and narcotics along the 830-kilometer border.
More than 50,000 illegal immigrants including criminals are arrested every month while they try to cross into Saudi Arabia from Iraq, Yemen and other countries bordering the Kingdom.
“Aerial surveillance using military planes or helicopters will help to monitor the border more effectively and restore order in the border regions,†said Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Anazi, commander of the Saudi Border Guards. He could not say when the aircraft would be deployed but he confirmed plans are being finalized.
As this article notes, the Saudis are continuing to improve their surveillance on the border with Iraq. The piece mentions the intensification of border patrols and use of thermal imaging to watch the borders. The article also quotes the commander of the Saudi Border Guards as saying that no Saudis have been caught trying to exfiltrate into Iraq via the Saudi border. I’m not convinced on that one.