THERE is difference of opinion between the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh and the Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court Sheikh Abdul Mohsen Al-Obeikan on a fatwa issued by the Grand Mufti in which the mufti said that the recent increase in traffic fines was the same as usury which is prohibited by Islamic law. Although both scholars have produced evidence to support their arguments, in my view there is a positive side to the dispute. That is both of them agree on the matter that they are against the increase in the traffic fine. While the mufti says he opposes it because it is against the Shariah, the latter says he opposes it because it is cruelty to the public.
I am with those who feel that the regulations governing traffic violations in the Kingdom are one of the harshest in the world. The punishment deviates from its goal of deterring and correcting violators. Instead, “It is more like a forced tax that in most cases affects only the weaker section of society which is already burdened by debts and poverty. Therefore I do not support the high increase in fines but I am against it,” Al-Obeikan said.
We are fully aware of the violations that kill and maim people on roads by the thousands every year. But the regulations should not be applied in such a way that they break the backbone of the weaker section without achieving the real goal. So I support Al-Obeikan in his call to the rulers to be kind to the people and review the fines, quoting the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him, “O Allah! treat harshly those who rule over my Ummah with harshness, and treat gently those who rule over my Ummah with gentleness.’’
