Local newspapers reported recently two horrific incidents where groups of young males in Madinah and Yanbu attacked members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. Allow me to highlight some facts and opinions in this regard:
The commission’s motto is basically to serve religion and protect society. Interior Minister Prince Naif said in an interview recently that the commission members and their agents would stay until the end of time in spite of people who want absolute freedom without restrictions to their behavior or attitudes.
Prince Naif pointed out in the same interview that the members of the commission are like any other people. They make mistakes. They are not immune to the imperfections of men, but they are valuable and their impact on society is clear. Prince Naif said that only ungrateful people deny this.
We read every now and then about arresting jugglers, alcohol manufacturers and prostitutes. So how can we deny their role in helping society?
Human resources development remains an important issue in the commission, just as it is in any public or private sector organization. The commission has been conducting training courses to professionalize the force. The fact that some youths dared to insult the commission members is a major issue that will not pass easily. If this is allowed to continue the role of the commission will be eliminated with time. Islam emphasizes the need for respect and appreciation for the role of the commission.
I wish the commission would have more of a presence in the media. I ask Saudi Television to provide them with a program dedicated to their complaints and points. Saudi newspapers should dedicate a page to them as well. The Ministry of Education should enlighten students and society members on the importance of the commission.
Last but not least, we should not abandon or neglect the commission. I ask that everyone, especially those in the media, to cooperate in delivering its sublime message to the world.
