Saudi Arabia: Scholars stress need for women’s sport

By Hayat Al-Ghamdi

ABHA, (Arab News): [Saudi] Religious scholars participating in the ongoing Abha Cultural Forum stressed the need for opening sports clubs for women and developing their skills just as men develop their skills.

"However, women should take care that they do not violate the religious regulations while indulging in health-related activities," Muhammad Al-Oraify, a preacher, said.

Al-Oraify read a fatwa in favor of women's participation in sports in exclusive clubs on the ground that Shariah approves of physical activity.

There are no public sports facilities for women in the Kingdom and physical education is currently not allowed in girls schools. Private sports clubs for women available in large cities are out of the reach of lower-income Saudis.

Ghazi Al-Shammari, another preacher, supported Al-Oraify's call to allow women's sports. He demanded holding youth camps under the supervision of respected scholars in order to offset the negative influence of musical events increasingly being held in different parts of the Kingdom.

"In the absence of dialogues and discussions between the youth and recognized religious scholars, the youth would be lured by deceptive and deviant ideologies," the scholar warned.

Abdullah Al-Wadaei, a young participant, stressed the need for developing a culture of patriotism among the youth through forums and camps.

The women participants in the meet demanded opportunities for them for greater participation in the country's political activities. Ayisha Al-Hamdi said women should be aware of their role in the nation's developmental activities.

Iman Maymash said charity work was the best means to activate a sense of patriotism in women.



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