Islam in Saudi Arabia
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1. It is a monarchy (thus unlike other Moslem states)
2. No constitution other than the Koran.
3. Most Saudis belong to the Wahabite sect of Islam.
4. Has the two most holy shrines in Islam: Mecca and Medina and was the home of the Prophet.

Main issues that have arisen:

1. Religious hierarchy is interwoven w/ the secular authority at all levels à relationship hasn’t always been easy.

• 1964: religious leaders challenged authority of King Saud and he was forced to abdicate.

1. Issue of compatibility of new developments in technology has been problematic à conservative religious leaders opposed the introduction of new technology (i.e.: radio)
2. Presence of foreigners in the country (linked to the oil industry) à criticism that non-Moslem foreigners could benefit from country’s wealth.
3. Clash of Cultures (West-Saudis) b/c as wealth increased, Saudi citizens were able to travel. Religious leaders were concerned at these contacts which might lead to ‘degeneration’ à segregation for children in school after age of nine / veil wearing for females above nine.
4. Religious police: ensure that religious requirements of faith are respected by all. In periods of criticism the Gov. made use of the muttawin to restore its credentials.
5. The image that the punishments of the Sharia projected in Western countries, i.e.: flogging in public, cutting off hand of thief…
6. Conduct of the members of the Royal family (esp. in visits to Western countries) à religious criticism.
7. Profit motive/banking/education type: conflict in demands from businesses and religious leaders.
8. Role of Saudi women: defined according to the Koran à limits on education, restriction on employment and travel.
9. Invasion of Kuwait by Irak in 1990 / Gulf War:

• Presence in Saudi Arabia of large numbers of American troops.
• Involved Saudi Arabia in a war against a Moslem state into alliance with non-Moslem states.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Apartheid and the Dutch Reformed Church
2. Catholic Church in Latin America
3. Catholic Church in the 1990's
4. Christian Democracy : From Fascism to the CDU
5. Christianity in Politics
6. Islam and the state
7. Islam in Iran
8. Islam in Saudi Arabia
9. Orthodox Church in the USSR
10. Political Christ
11. The Position of Women in Islamic Society
12. Zionism and the State of Israel

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