Barran Press
A seminar organized by the "Program for Communication with Yemeni Scholars" on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Riyadh, discussed the Houthis' motives and distortions in celebrating the Prophet's birthday. The seminar, which included several presentations, urged the development of plans and programs to protect Yemeni identity.
Sheikh Khaled Al-Wissabi, a member of the program, presented the first paper, highlighting the inconsistencies and transgressions of the Houthis in their celebrations. He argued that the group's approach accuses anyone who doesn't participate in their specific way of celebrating as deviating from religion, scripture, and tradition, even including the Prophet himself and his companions.
Al-Wissabi provided examples of the Houthis' deviation from the Prophet's teachings, pointing out contradictions in their discourse. For instance, they condemn the Tarawih prayers as an innovation while claiming that celebrating the Prophet's birthday is an obligation and a sign of faith.
Dr. Kamal Al-Qatwi addressed the underlying Houthi dimensions behind the celebration, emphasizing their repetitive rhetoric across various occasions. He described their approach as a strategy to keep people occupied with numerous events, diverting attention from other issues.
Al-Qatwi highlighted the Houthis' exploitation and extortion of businesses and the entire Yemeni population, revealing Iranian influence in shaping the Houthis' public image and suppressing the true image of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Sheikh Mohammed Al-Samman highlighted the danger of the Houthis' actions, stating that they go beyond the legal debate regarding the legitimacy of celebrating the Prophet's birthday. He argued that their actions constitute a serious erosion of Yemeni identity, sectarianizing society, and creating a hostile social environment that poses a threat to Yemen and the region.
Al-Samman called upon Yemeni decision-makers and influential figures to confront the dangers of extremist ideologies. He urged them to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to eliminate the Houthi sectarian threat and establish a high-level body responsible for developing programs and plans to safeguard Yemeni identity and national principles.
The seminar concluded with participants emphasizing the importance of unifying Yemeni efforts to liberate the country from the Houthis and confront their foreign ideologies, each fulfilling their respective responsibilities.