There is no objection to the opening of cinemas in the Kingdom as long as it is conducted in accordance with Shariah rules, while well-made films, if so guided, could be of great benefit, according to Dr. Khalid Al-Qaasim of King Saud University (KSU). Al-Qaasim, who holds the post of supervisor of the Prince Sultan Chair for Contemporary Islamic Studies at KSU, told Okaz newspaper at the weekend that objections to the opening of cinemas in the Kingdom were motivated by moral concerns over the nature of the content of films and the manner in which they would be shown, not by a rejection of the idea of films or cinema theaters in themselves. “We don't object to cinemas in as much as we object to films which most of the time convey deviant ideas unrepresentative of our values and morals and which infringe upon modesty,” Al-Qassim said. “We are only wary of the opening of cinemas without having regulations and guarantees in place,” Al-Qaasim continued, “but if Shariah regulations were followed, the most important of which would include the segregation of the sexes and the showing of good films that involve nothing prohibited, and the implementation of these regulations by the higher authorities such as the Ministry of Culture and Information and others, then I can see no objection to having cinema theaters showing movies.” The cinema, Al-Qaasim noted, was a tool that could have beneficial uses. “Ideas from the West have come to us,” he said, “but we will not be able to extend our religion, ideas and message correctly, despite the fact that we bear the truth, unless we make use of the various means available.” “We can extend our products by all legitimate means, in the form of books, cassettes, and cinema films and theater and other forms, but especially the cinema and theater since they are some of the most influential means of reaching notably young persons and children,” Al
