When news of the British national shot dead in Riyadh last month was published, some papers referred to the suspect as a “naturalized Saudi,” as if to imply that the crime was committed not by a native Saudi but by someone who obtained Saudi citizenship through naturalization.
It was an indirect hint that “genuine” Saudis do not commit such crimes.
This is a dangerous trend that points to unacceptable behavior. The papers from time to time carry news and comments that reflect a frightening trend toward regionalism.
Throughout history, evil has not known any geographical boundaries and is not confined to a certain race or sect. Evildoers are found everywhere, and wherever you go you find good people and bad people. No matter what we do, there will always be evil. Why, then, define evil in such primitive and dangerous language that could only generate more bitterness? Why are some people so shortsighted as to use this distorted “us and them” approach?
In the Holy Qur’an in Sura Al-Masad, we read of Abu Lahab, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his wife who were both cursed to burn in a blazing fire for committing every act of cruelty against the Prophet. When the Qur’an says of Abu Lahab’s wife: “His wife shall carry the crackling wood as fuel. A twisted rope of palm leaf fiber round her own neck,” it wasn’t mentioned that she was evil because she was a naturalized Quraish.
President George Bush who now commands a mighty military “machine of evil” is not doing what he is doing because he is a naturalized American of Irish origin. The devilish Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, is not killing Palestinians because he is a naturalized Israeli of Lithuanian origin.
It is indeed disgusting to see such a trend of regionalism creeping into our social and cultural fabric. Unfortunately, this has been going on for a long time, as far back as the third Hijri century and until now we have failed to free ourselves from it shackles.
Saudi Arabia is a multiracial nation where people from different races and geographical backgrounds are united to form this national entity. It is this unity-in-diversity that characterized Saudi Arabia where all are working for the same goal.
The media, including the official agencies, should be more diligent when selecting and publishing news. Evil is a general phenomenon not confined to one area or sect.
Arab News From the Local Press 8 March 2003
