With regard to the article "Why do Saudis look down on certain types of work?" (Dec. 26), having a job is a duty for men so that they can provide for their families. For women, it is more often a lifestyle choice, unless they are single mothers in which case it tends to be a duty as well. The most important aspect of any job, be it as a chef, a pilot, an MP or even a rubbish collector, is to work hard for Allah's sake. In that way the worker becomes a good role model for future generations. A father who does not show his children the importance of doing their Islamic duty is a sorry soul indeed. Crystal, Online response Who should care if the chef serves Bill Gates, appears on television or makes a lot of money? Praising the worker for achieving fame and riches is part of the problem because it means that the more humble chef who is poor and serves only maids or prisoners is fine to laugh at. This is why maids and workers are abused: the lowly job means the person who is doing it is thought to be less worthy in God's eyes. Muslims who think this way are far from the religion. Amira, Online response Indeed, in most countries of the world it does not matter what you do as a job, as long as you do it with pride and with the ambition to be the best in that particular job, to deliver quality and to be proud of that. Many of the best managers and staff started low on the professional staircase and became excellent managers by experiencing this. Quality in every job is what we desperately need in Saudi Arabia. Barthol, Online response
