This is in response to the two letters by Safi H. Jannaty (July 6) and Masood Khan (July 7) and on the comments by Anees Lokhande in his previous letter (July 4) regarding ''Saudi Female Olympians.”
I so agree with both as I felt they expressed the same feelings like mine and Lokhande's comments indeed bewildered me as well. Whenever issues like these take place many critics will rise up in order to discourage the ones who will be supporting the cause when it’s right and authentic. It’s certainly very natural.
For sure, women know their limits very well and under the limits of the religion, but also they were and are passionate about the game only. It’s their enthusiasm that has been missing. We can’t ignore or doubt their strong devotion, boldness and determination in order to compete on international grounds together by following and taking their limits under deep consideration also with them.
Instead of making discouraging comments about women, we have to promote their high intensity to move ahead in this competitive world in order to make their own space and own identity. It really doesn't matter if it’s about Muslim male or female.
As our Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said, ''Innamal A'malu Binniyaat.” Or, ''Actions are dependent upon their intentions'' (Bukhari). Why we aren't able to visualize the player's intentions, zeal and high interest behind his/her ambition to play? We must not underestimate their true potential. We can’t hold the right to doubt anyone's intentions, as it is in, for sure, our Creator's hands only.
Religious teachings have been the same for both Muslim males and females, I would like to repeat as Masood Khan said, “When we expect Saudi male athletes to maintain modesty while interacting with hundred's of non-veiled female sportswomen from other countries, then why suspect our mothers, daughters, wives and sisters of moral corruption'?''
Islam has always mentioned the equality of both the genders (of course, in limits). The same rules and regulations apply on both. The critics will always be there but what we have to do is to ignore completely their fake/false/hated expressions and to focus mainly on our progress and goal. We must definitely encourage and push forward these kinds right causes and sport passions for whoever they are whether Muslim males or females. It’s certainly not the matter of west or east but the game of narrow minds versus broad ones with pure intentions and with wonderful progressive approach. (Dr. Areej Rana, Jeddah)
Public taxis
After a long gap I experienced a ride in a public taxi from Madinah Road to the Sulamaniyah District, Jeddah after dropping my car off at the Service Center of Toyota.
I tried to hire taxi and was surprised when two taxi drivers refused and the third one was ready to ride. But I was more surprised that every taxi had the unbearable smell of smoke. It was very difficult to sit with the smoke odor around 20 minutes, so imagine the taxi used by women and children.
We request concerned authorities to look after these taxi conditions and implement a smoking ban in cabs and fine them if they continue to smoke. (Mohammed Ziauddin, Jeddah)
Stop judging female athletes
While I don’t begrudge the many people who oppose Saudi women participating in the London Olympics, it never ceases to amaze me that they seem to be all men. These men have no desire to see their daughters and female relatives participate in sport. Their idea of honor is for them to stay at home and get fat and hope that a man will be interested in marrying their fat daughters. But I see no comments from girls. Only Allah can judge a person’s actions and that person must answer for his or her deeds when the time comes. If a woman chooses to engage in sports, and finds a way to participate while wearing the hijab and the appropriate clothing, then who are we to judge her actions. Are we all free of sin? I think not. (Muhammad Siraj, Jeddah)
