Ahmad Al-Zahrani
EVERY time I read a story about a young woman who runs away from home, or gets caught in the company of an unrelated man or gets busted for drugs, I feel sad. I, however, feel happy when I read a positive follow-up story about the same woman and find that she has repented and learnt her lesson while in prison. This is nevertheless short lived. One is left shocked when reading that the father or guardian of the young woman refused to collect his daughter who has become a good and righteous person. No matter how hard people try to convince the father, he remains adamant and refuses to have anything to do with his daughter.
Why do fathers do that at a time when their daughters desperately need them? Why do they abandon their daughters? The young woman made a mistake and brought dishonor to her family’s name, but she repented and spent time in prison. Nobody is infallible. We all make mistakes. I want to remind those cruel fathers of one thing—they also must have made similar mistakes at some point in their lives. Why do fathers absolve themselves of their sins but refuse to forgive their daughters? Moreover, those fathers should be blamed for their daughters’ mistakes. Where were they when their daughters headed down the wrong path?
I do not know whether readers agree with me on this issue. But I would like to say that I truly admire the man who stood by and supported his wife who was accused of being involved in immoral practices. His belief in her innocence never wavered and he did not listen to the voices that were telling him that his wife was guilty. He could have divorced her and ended it right there. Instead, he chose to stay with her and help her through this ordeal. He took care of the children at home and even appointed lawyers and consultants to defend her. He visited her frequently and kept her spirits high.
I believe we need to change the way we view young women who make mistakes. Some fathers care only about their name and reputation and will do anything to protect both, even to the extent of abandoning their daughters. If this view were to change, fathers would be encouraged to step in and help their daughters. I am sure many fathers want to help but are worried about their reputations.
The authorities should punish fathers whose daughters get caught doing something immoral. If fathers were to realize that they would also be in trouble if their daughters were to get caught, then I am sure they would pay more attention to their daughters.
