Saudi religious police launch Islamic educational videos

The Saudi Commission for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, also known as the religious police, launched a video campaign to promote the principles of Islam and familiarize the public with the commission’s duties.

Work started one year ago on a campaign entitled “Our Values” and is made up of four short films that aim at introducing the principles of Islam in a dramatic form.

“The project is now entering its third stage and the three stages aim at spreading Islamic values in Saudi society through media outlets,” said Abdul Mohsen al-Qafari, the commission’s official spokesperson.

Qafari, who is also head of public relations and media affairs at the commission, added that the videos reflect the commission’s new preemptive policy and focuses on the principle of protecting society from vices before they take place.

“The videos also aim at treating already-existing social problems in a modern way that appeal to the people.”

The videos, Qafari noted, focus on the moderate nature of Islam and warns people of fanatic ideologies that could eventually lead to terrorist activities.

“The videos also encourage the youth to practice Islamic rituals regularly and explain the reasons behind the prohibition of certain activities like drinking alcohol by highlighting its harmful effects.”

Qafari said that the videos also tackle daily habits recommended by Islam like the good treatment of others especially smiling upon meeting people.
Qafari explained that the videos, exclusively screened on Al Arabiya, were made by a group of youth who work at the commission’s media center and who share the commission’s purpose in propagating the true spirit of Islam both inside and outside Saudi.

“This project does not only target Saudis but also the whole world. We want to introduce Islamic principles that promote good and prohibit evil among people of all nationalities,” he concluded.

(Translated from Arabic by Sonia Farid)