i don't know if that is enough to explain the whole issue ....
From Dar Al'hayat Journal :
Just about a year ago, I met with the Saudi Mullah, Sheikh Aaed Al-Kourny, on the sideline of the national dialogue conference in Holy Mecca. I discussed various topics with him; some involved the changes witnessed by the Kingdom, the stances of scientists regarding the terrorist operations in the country, along with his role in the 80s in mobilizing the Saudi youth to set off to Afghanistan through the mosques' platforms and cassette tapes. I preferred for my last question to be related to his vision of women driving cars in Saudi Arabia, where he replied without any hesitation: "banning women from driving cars has no religious background, nor does it have any clear and decisive religious text". He explained "if there was a choice to be done between a woman driving a car, or let her alone in a car, accompanied by a foreign driver, it is preferable that she drives her own car." At the time, he added: " I hope my words will not be interpreted as an authorization to do so. I am merely submitting the matter to the legal committee calling to "differentiate between norms and subsidiaries and deal with awareness and common sense, including with regard to the issue of women driving vehicles."
Later on, Sheikh El-Kourny retreated his words and opinions after radicals in Saudi Arabia made pressure on him. Hence, he issued a statement to symbolically satisfy them. I wished he had kept to his words, approved by numerous clerics. Once again, Sheikh Al-Kourny retracted his personal statements regarding women unveiling their faces after being sharply criticized by the radical religious movement, which accused him of seeking artificial fascination or being simply unqualified to deal with the media. I wish he would learn to maintain a tough stance and steadily endorse opinions and Legal Fatwas instead of disclaiming his statements only to please one side and dismiss another.
Last Monday, two events coincided together. Kuwaiti women obtained their political rights, granting them the rights to vote and be a candidate. At the same time, members of the Saudi legal council (Al Shawra) were demanding to review traffic laws, specifically those related to women driving cars, along with the Fatwa issued in 1991, which bans her from driving. Others members were opposed as some few expressed their reservation.
There is a great difference between the stances of Saudi women and those of her colleagues in other Arab or Gulf states. We are not calling on Saudi women to be similar to others, yet they deserve to get their national rights. Saudi women are still shy and unable to express their opinions, as if they do not suffer from any burden or concern. They are prisoners of traditions and customs and are chased by the omen of tribal mores.
Stances of those trying to link women driving cars to religion are awkward, as if Islam had banned it. They try to fabricate irrational justifications despite the increase of the women's need for driving cars. They pretend that this right would lead to increased outings since the car is accessible. As if the foreign driver is not currently available. Moreover, they believe that when women leave their homes, they are seen by the surrounding crowd, thus, their virtue will be questioned. As if when she leaves the house accompanied by a driver, a spouse or a son she is not seen by anyone; her virtue is only affected when driving a car! Furthermore, they believe that driving a car will uselessly increase the family's spending; failing to mention the driver's monthly salary, his holidays and compensations. Why aren't we rational enough to submit realistic justifications, which will convince both men and women. Think about the many broken household drivers were behind? Answer the legitimate question: which is more appropriate, a household with its male and female keepers? Or a household with a male, a female and a driver, who does not belong to the family but is well-aware of its secrets better than its own members?
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