Comments on: What do the Muttawa Think About in Saudi Arabia?

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:50:21 +0000

Thanks for your clarification John!

By: John Burgess

John Burgess — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:30:57 +0000

Carol, I think the point of that hadith was that the Prophet did not have permission/authority to burn the house of a non-practicer, even though he, personally, might have wanted to do so. It's a reprisal of that 'no compulsion' thing.

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:57:48 +0000

thanks for responding.

By: coolred38

coolred38 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:43:36 +0000

yes…i remember reading that hadith some years back….like i said…i cant verify whether it was sound or not…just remember reading it…maybe someone else can tell us whether its considered weak or strong…..anyone?

I personally dont give much credence to that hadith…as it sounds extremely violent and nothing like the peaceful attitude of the prophet…but then again…im no scholar so cant judge them…so ive been told a million times

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:28:12 +0000

Red, I want to make sure I’m reading your comment right… I realize you are paraphrasing and you saying that if the prophet could burn the houses of Muslims who did not go to the mosques to pray, he would choose to do so?

By: coolred38

coolred38 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:26:21 +0000

I remember reading a hadith..not sure of its isnad…but it said something like…the prophet said “if i were given permission to burn the houses of those Muslims that didnt go to the mosque to pray…I would (paraphrasing)…which would seem to prove the point that even prayers cannot be forced upon the people…even if its the ardent desire of the prophet himself…force cannot be used. Im wondering if the muttawa bother to read the Quran and hadith that they so ardently defend…hmmm?

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:14:17 +0000

I believe that overall they really do want the fear tatic to remain.

Yeah; in regards to the sitcom last night, what welcome to Riyadh for the elder brother!

By: american2saudi

american2saudi — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:46:00 +0000

I saw that as well and thought it might be good for the mutawa to practice their techniques of arrest on each other so that they can see how it feels to be on the other side. I mean, wouldn’t it have been better for the mutawa to say to them, “Excuse me, but prayers are about to begin. You both need to be in the mosque.”

Respect would have been shown and probably given on both sides….not to mention earning the respect of other people viewing their methods.

There is a new Manners school here in Jeddah. Maybe someone can suggest for them to attend classes to make them more likeable. Or, perhaps they don’t care if we like them, and they want that ‘fear tactic’ to remain.

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:08:18 +0000

Last night’s Ramadan comedy (one that replaced Tash ma Tash) had a funny muttawa scene. Two brothers who had not seen each other recently because of living in different locations met in Riyadh when the older brother got transferred there. Because the older brother did not know how to navigate around Riyadh they meet just outside of the town area and near a mosque (by chance). As they are warmly greeting one another, hugging and kissing after a long absence neither notices the call to prayer. Within mere seconds two muttawa and police come to pick them up for not being in the mosque praying…not a question to them is asked.

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:05:45 +0000

A2S – I can assure you that the Mistress of Spice is indeed about spices… but it also has a surprise love story at the end so watch out…. although this book is also sold in Jarir (guess we better not let the muttawa find out…)