It is a well-known fact that we Saudis set great store by our religion and the legal system based upon it called the “Shariah.”
However, we have a curious way of showing our concern for our legal system.
Let me give an example that will illustrate just what I mean.
In many countries around the world, the best colleges in their most prestigious universities are the colleges or schools of law. It is the dream of many students to find a place at such elite colleges.
They have rigorous entrance standards and take only the best students from the best high schools and it usually costs a great deal of money to study there.
In many cases they were the first colleges to be established in their respective countries.
It is from these elite law schools that most advanced countries draw their judges, attorneys and other legal practitioners.
This shows the depth of concern these societies have for the quality of people in the legal profession in their country.
By contrast, we in Saudi Arabia usually direct our best and brightest students to the colleges of medicine and engineering. Those who are unable to fulfill the rigorous standards of those colleges are directed to other technical colleges such as earth sciences or failing that to colleges of management and administration.
Way at the bottom of the pile is the college of Shariah (law). It is as though all those who have failed to make the grade in the technical colleges can pursue a career in law.
It is not my case that everyone studying in Shariah colleges has low school grades, but many have.
It is from this pool that we recruit the men who will go on to become our judges, attorneys and fill all other parts of the legal profession in this country.
So, if the Shariah is central and paramount to us, it is time we did something to attract our best and brightest students to the college of Shariah.
On another (lighter) matter:
Does anyone know what has happened to the municipal councils? There was such a hullabaloo some months ago when the elections took place, then a deep and prolonged silence.
I mention this because I was about to have my post-prandial nap yesterday when I suddenly remembered these councils and was struck by an overwhelming curiosity as to their fate. This kept me awake for the whole of three minutes.
So, if anyone has any information, would you be kind enough to enlighten us.
