Islam in Saudi Arabia
Islam is the state religion of Saudi Arabia and it is predominantly interpreted through the conservative Wahhabi ideology. This form of Sunni Islam significantly influences Saudi Arabia’s governance, culture, and daily life.
Etymology and Terminology
- Islam (الإسلام): In Arabic, “Islam” means “submission,” signifying submission to the will of God (Allah).
- Wahhabism (الوهابية): Named after its founder, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, an 18th-century reformer who advocated a puritanical form of Islam.
- Ulama (علماء): Islamic scholars recognized for their theological and jurisprudential knowledge.
Overview
Royal Legitimacy and Religious Institutions
The Kingship’s legitimacy in Saudi Arabia arises from a historical alliance between the Saudi royal family and the ulama. This collaboration has led to the institutionalization of religious organizations within the state power structure. Institutions like the Council of Senior Ulama—an authoritative religious body funded by the state—provide religious approval and legitimacy for government policies.
Role of Religious Police
The religious police, called the Hay’ah al-Amr bi-l-Ma’ruf wa-n-Nahi ‘an al-Munkar (هيئة الأمر بالمعروف والنهي عن المنكر), enforce public morality regulations, which are interpretative mandates set by the religious authorities, notably the Council of Senior Ulama.
Demographics and Social Structure
With an approximate population of 15 to 20 million, the majority are Sunni Muslims adhering to Wahhabism while Shia Muslims, predominantly residing in the Eastern Province, represent about 2% of the population.
Islamic Holy Sites
Saudi Arabia holds Islam’s two holiest cities:
- Mecca (مكة المكرمة, Makkah): Home to the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam where pilgrims perform the Hajj.
- Medina (المدينة المنورة, Al-Madinah): The burial place of Prophet Muhammad and site of major historical significance in Islamic history.
Books for Further Studies
- Wahhabi Islam: From Revival and Reform to Global Jihad by Natana J. DeLong-Bas
- Inside the Kingdom: Kings, Clerics, Modernists, Terrorists, and the Struggle for Saudi Arabia by Robert Lacey
- The Saudi Enigma: A History by Pascal Ménoret
- The Circle of Justice and the Islamic Origins of Legal Pluralism by Ovamir Anjum
Takeaways and Conclusion
Understanding the role of Islam in Saudi Arabia involves recognizing the intricate relationship between the state and Wahhabi ulama, the enforcement of public religious laws by religious police, the demographics and sectarian makeup, and the pivotal significance of Mecca and Medina in the Islamic world.
The Wahhabi interpretation significantly shapes the societal and political landscape, influencing both law and everyday life. For thorough insights, books and academic works provide deeper exploration into Wahhabi doctrine, historical context, and contemporary implications.
