JEDDAH: Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and member of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa, explained that the royal decree which permitted implementing the provisions of traffic regulations — including the issuance of driving licenses for men and women alike — is based on religious standards that put things right.
“Women, like everyone in this regard, have the right to drive, and it wouldn’t be right to deny anyone their legitimate rights because of the arguments of an isolated group.”
He added: “The Islamic and universal consensus gave this positive step their blessings because the royal decree applied Sharia Law, which is keen on granting women their rights in every possible way — not only by allowing them to drive.”
Al-Issa concluded that whoever insisted on denying women their right to drive after all the guarantees, is doubting people’s values and the capabilities of institutions, and this counts as assuming bad faith in others which is a sin in Islam.
“What they are doing as well is punishing everyone for a small group’s wrongdoing, which is unacceptable in religion and in logic.”
“King Salman has issued this decree without implementing it immediately but after a sufficient period of time, which is proof all arrangements will be taken care of wisely. Sharia Law states that if there were arguments regarding a matter, only the guardian may take a final decision, especially when senior scholars stressed that Islam does not forbid women from driving. Besides, let’s not forget that the government has always been very keen on promoting and maintaining the values on which it built its existence,” Al-Issa added.
Muslim World League chief: Saudi women driving decision based on logic and reasoning
Muslim World League chief: Saudi women driving decision based on logic and reasoning
Foreign ministers chair Saudi-Omani coordination council meeting in Muscat
MUSCAT: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi on Monday.
They reviewed bilateral relations between their nations and ways to enhance and develop them across various fields. Additionally, they discussed regional and international developments.
The ministers co-chaired the third meeting of the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council in the Omani capital, Muscat, with the participation of the heads of the Council’s subsidiary committees and the two heads of the Council’s General Secretariat teams.
The meeting comes as an affirmation of the keenness of Saudi and Omani leaders to strengthen ties and advance them toward greater prosperity for both nations.
In his remarks during the meeting, Prince Faisal affirmed that gathering builds on the previous council meeting, held last year in AlUla, and on its positive and fruitful outcomes within the framework of the approved recommendations and initiatives.
He stressed the importance of continuing the work of the council’s subsidiary committees to complete the necessary procedures to implement the remaining initiatives, and of the General Secretariat’s role in follow-up and in addressing any challenges that may hinder implementation.
He also underscored the importance of developing and enhancing trade relations, stimulating investment, and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.
He also praised the ongoing work to establish and launch the Coordination Council’s electronic platform, which aims to connect all committee work and initiatives to facilitate follow-up on the Council’s progress.
Al-Busaidi affirmed in his remarks the qualitative progress in relations between the two countries and the notable development witnessed across numerous sectors toward achieving economic integration and enhancing intra-trade and joint investments.
The Omani foreign minister also highlighted deeper cooperation in the security and judicial fields, as well as the cultural and tourism sectors, noting the advanced and continuous political cooperation, consultation, and coordination on regional and international issues.
