the opposite sex in saudi arabia

[highteknology]

i'm not sure if this is the right place to put it but it seems like a good place

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8916890/

that article talks about a new way for men and women to flirt in Saudi Arabia. Obviously saudi arabia has very strict religious laws on how men and women can meet, if at all. the article talks about bluetooth enabled cell phones and how men and women use them to flirt.

after i read the article i found intriguing how in a different country the "rules" of courtship and flirting, whatever you want to call it. differ so much from ours. i've always known about how Islamic-religion countries differ in many aspects of their lives compared to ours. it's the simple things like flirting and having a relationship with someone of the opposite sex, or same for that matter, that i always seem to overlook. i guess it's sort of one of those things that i take advantage of living in this country.

[AlmostStock]

So your thinking about moving there to get you some?

Seriously that's interesting. It's good to see people being able to get together despite outdated religious taboos.

[fredjacksonsan]

It's amazing that the Saudis (and many Muslims) can't seem to move into the present.

[GritMaster]

Going by their calendar....

They're still in the Feudel age.

and you expect them to be modern?



besides they're considerably more religious then the average "modern" worlder

[Shpyder]

Originally Posted by highteknology

i've always known about how Islamic-religion countries differ in many aspects of their lives compared to ours. it's the simple things like flirting and having a relationship with someone of the opposite sex, or same for that matter, that i always seem to overlook. i guess it's sort of one of those things that i take advantage of living in this country.

Saudi Arabia is ruled by one of the 72 sects of Islam, the Wahabi sect. The Taliban were also of this sect. The sect emphasizes the literal interpretation of the Koran, instead of a metaphorical and philosophical one. They are extremely strict and rigid in their interpretation of the Koran. Women are not allowed to drive there, teach, walk alone, etc, etc. It is a sad an strange contrast from the time of Islam's prophet, Mohammad, whose wife Ayesha actually commanded an entire army into battle. Hence the whole "women have no rights" thing in some sects of modern Islam, contradicts severly the root of Islam back then.

Also, the only reason why Saudi Arabia has Wahabism in place, is because the Royal Family of Saud (hence "Saudi" Arabia) are Wahabi's, and have their rule enforced over the entire country. The same thing with the Taliban in Afghanistan; a few people with guns running around enforcing their ideals on an entire nation.

I read that article too, and I just feel bad for those people. Islam says "there is no compulsion in religion", which means, feel free to do your own thing if you do not agree. And yet, leadership in such extremem governemnts threaten people who would like to leave the Muslim faith with severe persecution and even death.

Not a rant or flame, just giving an insider's view of the situation...

[twospirits]

Very interesting thread.

TS out