The myth about Saudi woman (The reality is different)

The reality is different from how it is generally perceived to be

EXPERIENCE BY NAYEEMA AHMAD MAHJOOR

What you constantly hear about Arab society is not always true. And, if the word comes from the West, think twice before you begin to believe it. The same applies to the East which boasts about its strong social value system and keeps blaming the West for exporting its lifestyle, fashion and promiscuity and for polluting its social and family institutions. This is far from the truth. Everything is not bad in Arab society. The political and economic system in the Arab world is beyond any doubt autocratic, despotic or monarchic, its social and family system is still strong.

Living in Western society can make us realize the value of life, value of time and value of freedom that is still lacking in Eastern society, mostly in the Arab world. However, it is ironic that the foundation of these values were laid in the Arab land by virtue of being the house of monolithic religions). They have not reached the stage of evolution where even single soul is considered precious and invaluable. But the concept of relationship, family and home (based on Islamic principles) cannot be matched with the West.

On my recent visit to Saudi Arab, I was really overwhelmed to see the fabric of Saudi society still strong. The family is considered the most important unit of human life and which cannot be compromised, at least not for the monetary or material benefits.

Driving through the decorated, big and well-maintained motorway which gives you the first impression of a wealthy nation. I had never imagined that I would see Saudi women on roads, sea beaches or shopping malls. I had the same feeling as if I was walking through the streets of Khyber Pass where you can hardly see any women or if you see some they will be veiled in Burqa.

Saudi woman is not only the queen of her house but she rules the big markets of the wealthy nation. I had expected to find her confined to her house with the responsibility of bearing and rearing children only. Instead, I saw her taking pride in caring for her family and children and at the same time doing business or working in the office according to her own liking.

I saw them professionally dealing with customers on streets to big markets, indeed beyond my imagination. The stereotypical image of Saudi woman portrayed on the TV screens has conditioned our mind in such a way that initially I thought the women doing business were immigrants from other countries. During conversation they revealed their Saudi identity and their status as business entrepreneurs. It was amazing to find women everywhere walking shoulder to shoulder with men, from markets to mosques, from hospital to police departments, all covered in Hijab or scarf or in Chador. They have learnt the art of maintaining their attire while doing their job.

The markets outside Makkah and Medina are mostly women markets selling clothes to shoes to dates to perfumes. Their unique way of dealing with customers is inspirational. Only once they tell you the price and then, they do not talk. If a customer is Saudi he hardly wastes any time in bargaining but if he is from South Asia, he tries hard to bargain and yet she never talks or tells anything. The South Asian customer walks silently or comes under pressure to buy the commodity.

Saudi Arab is not a crime free society but the crime rate is very low. Mostly, the crime happens in the areas populated by Asian or African immigrants. Crime against women is very rare and there is hardly any eve teasing, rape or sexual assault. Saudi men attribute this to the Islamic dress code for women who strictly follow it outside the house.

The Saudi woman walks freely during the day and night without fear of theft/mugging or assault. Most of the Saudi markets or mobile shops remain open for twenty four hours without any break. Only five times Namaz during the day interrupts the business. The moment the Azan emanates from the minarets of the mosque, everything is left as it is. Shops, vehicles, offices or buildings become deserted and mosques, streets, stairs or shopping malls become populated with worshippers.

The strange phenomena appear everywhere the prayer goes. Women pray after men or vice versa…no prejudice or argument about who should be in the first row or second or that women should follow the men. The prayer is short, precise and quick. After Namaz, the business goes as usual as if there was no break or pause. And, there is no argument whether women should enter the mosque or stay behind the men.

While doing Tavaf of Khani-e-Kaaba, all become one, irrespective of cast, creed, sect or gender. Men, women and children all pray hand in hand. Husband holding his wife’s hand, brother making way for his sister and old being guided by children. No matter what your status, identity or country is, all are the same and equal hand in hand promising before God almighty that we are all his servants and we are in submission. It really reminds one of the era of Prophet Muhammed (PHUH) when Muslims were united, pious and without prejudice against the gender, rich or other religions. Only pure, honest and God-fearing hearts and minds are together in the house of God asking for his forgiveness and blessings; what matters here is to submit before God.

I wish the worship at Khan-I Kabba to Saudi life style to women’s role in family and business were broadcast live throughout the world so that the true picture of Arab society is shown to those who have confined their view of Islam to the Burqa, beard or sword only.

The land of the Prophet (PBUH) is the safest place on the earth and the women of His land have got the respect, status and the real freedom of life. I wish this sacred place remains the same and all the women of the world get a chance in their life to see the true face of Islam which has no practice of discrimination against gender, religion or status.