CAIRO,
June 15 (IslamOnline.net) – Saudi Arabia’s Third National Dialogue
Forum wrapped up Monday, June 14, three days of brainstorming with a
call for granting Saudi women their rights guaranteed by Shari`ah.
The
forum’s communiqué called for drawing a line between traditions and
the Islamic tenets regarding women's rights.
Breaking
taboo and tumultuous women’s issues, the forum concluded that a
right balance should be struck between Shari`ah and everyday life in a
way that does not contravene society ethics or Islam’s baselines.
The
marathon talks that brought together 70 Saudi religious and academic
figures, including 35 women, have also yielded divergent opinions.
However,
the participants were on board that women can join forces with men in
building their society and safeguarding family unity.
"God
Almighty has granted women inalienable rights and endowed them with
effectiveness so that they can play a pivotal and productive role in
society alongside men," read the statement, a copy of which was
obtained by IslamOnline.net.
Positive
Outcome
Mrs.
Amgad Reda, a Saudi writer who took part in the three-day discussions,
praised the outcome as "very positive".
"The
most important recommendation issued by the forum is the establishment
of a higher body in charge of family affairs, for which women
participants have pressed all through the discussions," she told
IOL over the phone.
The
rest of recommendations, she added, will be made public after the
approval of Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz.
Male
participants will meet Tuesday, June 15, with Prince Abdullah to keep
him posted on the forum’s demands, Mrs. Reda said.
Their
female peers will then have similar talks with Prince Abdullah’s
wife.
The
forum opened Saturday, June 12, with debating 18 research papers on
women’s duties and rights to education and work.
