The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Haia) has registered several complaints with the organizers of the Historic Jeddah festival, including women participants not wearing modest dress and music played too loud by a local radio station.

The Haia also observed that the organizers had not arranged enough space for prayers to accommodate the large number of visitors. The organizers said they have taken note of the commission’s observations.

Fuad Kawther, former general manager of the Industrial City Dawa Office, said the Haia was doing the right thing to remind people about Islamic teachings and values.

“Our Islamic culture is the most advanced in the world. We should not forget about our culture and traditions while taking part in festivities,” he told Arab News.

Kawther, who is an aviation engineer, said Saudis and other Muslims should uphold their Islamic culture whose pillars were established by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) while he was in Madinah.

“There is a move to secularize society, separating religion from our day-to-day lives. This goes against our true Islamic culture and our all-embracing faith,” he added.

He praised Haia officials for doing an honorable job. “They remind us when we cross boundaries set by the Shariah, when we forget about the Islamic dress code and values.”

Kawther said Islam allows its followers to celebrate happy occasions but within certain limits. “During the time of the Prophet, women took part in dances. The Prophet allowed his wife Aisha, standing behind him, to watch an Abyssinian troupe playing with shields and spears.”

Madinah Mayor Khaled Taher, who visited the Jeddah festival on Sunday, praised the organizers for setting up the event that highlights the Kingdom’s rich culture and traditions.