We all read about the Saudi man who sacrificed his life to save others last month in Tabuk. This hero moved a burning fuel tanker out of a residential area, even though the truck was not his. In his rush to remove the truck, it overturned and he died.
He represents the real Muslims and Saudis, not the criminals who have killed innocent people. Real Muslims and Saudis could sacrifice their lives in order to save the lives of others. Real Muslims and Saudis could go blindly into danger for the sake of others.
Islam calls for showing peace and mercy to all living creatures. Islam says that if a person kills someone it is as if he kills all humankind. Many of you know the story of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he visited his Jewish neighbor who had been absent for a few days to inquire about his health. Long before present day human and civil rights, Islam taught us that all people who live around us are entitled to certain rights and should be protected as guests in our country. True historical accounts show that Islam spread because it emphasized kindness and justice in dealing with all people.
Sadly, just like any other religion, not all followers truly understand or apply religious guidelines nowadays. This is not a reflection on the religion but a shortcoming and defect in the followers. No religion condones the torture and killing of others, but members of all major religions have committed such acts in the past and present day.
We feel terrible about these acts of terrorism. We feel sorry for all the fear and frustration felt by anyone living in this holy land. We respect all those who left their home countries and came to join us in building our country. We are sad for all the worries expatriates are going through, but believe me, there are only a few who are misguided and imbalanced. They do not represent the true spirit of Islam, nor of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is not different from any other country facing such terrorist acts. Knowledge of historical and present day events show that every nation and religion have had groups of people who resorted to violent means to get their message heard, but ultimately the result is actually the opposite of what they planned. Saudi Arabia will remain a peaceful country. Even now it is still safe and secure by comparison.
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- (Abdullah Ali Almajdouie is a Saudi businessman. He is based in Dammam.)