The New Generation

Things in Sana'a have certainly changed over the past 15 years or so. A new generation has grown up, and unfortunately, this is not always for the better. I don't know how it has happened. Well, I guess it's the influence of TV and Internet, and a lack of Islamic education on the parents' part. Because a big part of this new generation behaves westernized and un-Islamically. The boys walk around in far too tight, old-looking jeans, with tight T-shirts, caps, sunglasses, etc. The females have changed their baltos (the long, black garments worn outside) into decorative dresses. They are still black and long, but too tight, and full of embroidery which catches the attention. This is the opposite of the aim of the balto, which is to cover oneself, and this is what is prescribed in Islam. Some 'modern' parents let their young girls walk around without proper (head)covering, even if they have reached the age to do so. Some 'modern' parents let their daughters go out by themselves to public places, like parks and restaurants, where they are stared at by young males. This was all not-done in the past. Yemen has always been one of the more traditional Islamic countries. May Allah protect us and keep it that way.