Abdullah Al-Dani

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — A renowned Saudi Islamic scholar has said it is okay for motorists to warn each other about the existence of Saher speed cameras so they slow down and avoid getting caught.



“This is not only permissible according to Islamic teaching but a desirable work for whom the drivers will be rewarded by God,” said Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mohammed Al-Mokhtar Al-Shinqiti.



The scholar added he considers such an act to be akin to assisting other Muslims.



He said: “This warning is permissible under Islam. The motorists who warn each other about the Saher cameras located in front of them will be rewarded for this good act.”



Al-Shinqiti, a member of the Saudi Senior Scholars Commission, was answering a question regarding whether warning other motorists about Saher cameras was against Islam.



He said it is common practice in other countries to place signboards before the locations of speed cameras.



“When people warn each other about the existence of Saher cameras, they will be showing compassion toward their Muslim brothers. “This is a good act that deserves reward from Allah.”



Al-Shinqiti said speeding drivers might have good reasons for going fast. “Not every speeding driver is wrong,” he said.



The scholar said a man may have a monthly salary of SR3,000, of which he spends a large portion paying Saher traffic fines.



“When you reduce this burden on him, you will be doing him a favor according to the teachings of Islam,” he said.



He cited a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) narrated by Abu Hurairah that God has forgiven all sins of a man who removed thorns from the street that could hurt Muslims.



Other members of the commission were divided on the scholar’s opinion. Sheikh Ali Al-Hakami believed warning drivers about the presence of speed cameras was haram (forbidden in Islam).



However, Sheikh Saad Al-Khthlan agreed with Al-Shinqiti and considered such warnings to be part of cooperation between Muslims that is demanded by Islam.



The Saher cameras are placed on a number of highways and main streets and take photos of speeding cars, whose drivers then have to pay a heavy fine. The fines will be doubled if not paid within a certain period of time.