Do the Mutaween have a legitimate role promoting virtue?

Question

Muslim blogger link:

http://brnaeem.blogspot.com/2008/07/mutawwa-choosing-form-over-substance.html

The snip:

The Saudi Religious Police (also known as Mutawwa) have been getting a bad rap for quite some time. In addition to all the negative energy directed towards them by the general public, they've come under greater media and governmental scrutiny for recent cases of extreme abuse.

I would normally not add fuel to this fire (as opinions are very emotionally charged from both sides), but I couldn't avoid chiming in on my dear friend Shariq's first blog entry over at Minjid.com.

The brother presents his case for supporting 'the Commission' as they provide an invaluable service to society.

I say hogwash.

Answer 1

I don't think they are doing what they are supposed to do. To me this seems like an innovation (bid'a).

Answer 2

I don't understand what ure tryna say :(