Saudi Gazette report DAMMAM — The Department of Girls' Education in east Dammam has sent a circular to all government and private girls' schools under it banning graduation parties, which are typically organized to celebrate the end of the academic year. The circular, issued by the department's division for Islamic Enlightenment, threatened all principals and school teachers with punishment if they take part in the celebrations, which it considered to be against Shariah. The move came only a few days after the Shoura Council voted in favor of introducing physical education in all government-run schools across the Kingdom. The decision has sparked a heated a debate in the country. The department said much of the activities taking place in the celebrations are un-Islamic. "The girls and the teachers tend to wear transparent and short dresses, which are open from the top and bottom," the circular said. It also said the celebrations include songs, music and dancing, which are all against Islamic teachings. A number of school principals were astonished by the decision, which came at a time students are making preparations for the convocations. They said the ban was not expected and was unprecedented. The ban also included all kindergartens, Qur'an memorization schools, autistic centers and intellectual rehabilitation facilities. A girls' school principal, who spoke on condition of anonymity, denied that the celebrations included any activities or dresses forbidden by Islam. "The girls are anxiously waiting for these events to express their joy and happiness," she said. Meanwhile, a number of scholars said they did not see anything wrong in wearing graduation gowns. “The abaya and the hat worn for the graduation ceremony are permissible according to Islam. They are not violating the Shariah," said Essam Al-Ouwaid, a professor of religious studies.
