The Haia must improve its image

Sajdi Al-Rouqi Almighty Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “And let there be from you a group that enjoins what is right and forbids what is wrong and those will be successful.” (03:104) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded on these teachings. We should all, men and women, promote virtue and prevent vice. The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Haia) is run by scholars who enjoy a good reputation and whose members fight all types of vice. Anyone who reads about the achievements of the Haia will recognize the painstaking efforts its members take to prevent vice. They have arrested many men who have blackmailed women and they have raided brothels and bootleggers and have helped police find criminals. Some of us might wonder why the Haia has been lambasted in the news lately and why everyone is attacking it. I think the answer to this question can be related to the time when the Haia was founded. At that time, the Haia hired many members who used to be criminals but repented from their crimes and spent time in prison. It also hired retired government officials. In fact, most of its employees caused a lot of trouble for the Haia because of the way they handled certain situations. In the 1980s, members of the Haia used to walk around in malls, catching young men who had long hair and giving them short haircuts in front of everyone. This was completely uncivilized behavior and illegal. If they suspected a couple in a relationship, they would stop the man and the woman and start asking them questions separately. “What is the color of your curtains?” or “What is the model of the refrigerator you have in the kitchen?” They would stop, frisk and search any young man they suspected, and if they found nothing they would ask him what time Fajr prayer was. If he did not know the actual time, they would immediately flog him. They were catching people based on mere suspicion. Most of the people who were caught by Haia members at that time are more than 40 years old today. They have painful memories and have never forgotten what Haia members did to them. They are the same people who are attacking Haia members these days. They lambast the Haia for even the smallest mistake. We would like the Haia to set up operation rooms and have them run by qualified scholars and educated people who are aware of Saudi laws and human rights. The Haia should organize courses and symposiums to explain the noble objectives of their job. It should also appoint spokesmen who can improve its image in the media and dispel misconceptions.