Background Information
Saudi Arabia is a predominantly Muslim nation located in the Arabian Peninsula. The nation follows the strict Wahhabi interpretation of Sunni Islam and has enforced these beliefs on its citizens for centuries. It has become an important center of Islamic scholarship over the last century, especially through the works of Sheikh Muhammed ibn Abd al-Wahhab, the founder of Wahhabi Islam. The Saudi government and its religious authorities have traditionally made distinction between Sunnis and Shiites, with Sunnis enjoy greater political and economic power. Despite this, Shia Muslim still form a significant portion of the population.
Relevant Data on Muslims in Saudi Arabia
According to recent figures released by the US State Department, 90-95 percent of the population of Saudi Arabia is estimated to be followers of Sunni Islam. The remaining 5-10 percent are attributed to the Shia Muslim population. This Sunni majority is largely attributed to the government’s endorsement of the Wahhabi branch of the Sunni sect. The Saudi government has made efforts to accommodate Shia Muslims, yet many are subject to discrimination and exclusion from public life.
The Saudi population is largely composed of immigrants, with the majority of foreigners hailing from other parts of the Middle East and South Asia. Many of these migrants are Muslim, yet there are some non-Muslims too. Due to the lack of religious freedom in the kingdom, non-Muslims often face religious persecution.
Perspectives from Experts
There is no shortage of opinions on the religious makeup of Saudi Arabia. Many experts in the field agree that the Saudi Arabian government has been heavily influenced by their religious authorities in terms of the government’s policies towards Muslims and non-Muslims.
Somos Onnur, a professor at the London School of Economics, views the kingdom as an extreme form of Islamo-Arab nationalism, and views the government’s strict adherence to Wahhabi teachings as the source of many of their policies towards minorities. Nevertheless, Onnur acknowledges that this form of religious expression has brought stability to the country, and this stability has enabled Saudi Arabia to remain an influential player in international politics.
Analysis
At its core, Saudi Arabia is an Islamic nation that adheres to the strict teachings of Wahhabi Sunni Islam. Despite its efforts at accommodating the Shia population, the Shia Muslims are often excluded from government or public office, and are subjected to discrimination. The Wahhabi strain of Islam that the government endorses has enabled the kingdom to maintain a certain measure of stability, which has translated into increased influence on the global stage.
Impact on Muslim Minorities
The rigid adherence to Wahhabi Sunni Islam has had an undeniable effect on those who don’t fit into the government’s definition of an ideal Muslim. Shia Muslims, for instance, have been subjected to discrimination and persecution in the past. There have also been reports of religious persecution of other minority faiths, including Christians and Hindus. The country’s strict religious policies, while providing it stability and political power, also keeps the government an island of its own, disconnected from the rest of the world.
Women’s Place in Islamic Law
Women’s rights in Saudi Arabia are heavily restricted, and the government’s encouragement of the Wahhabi sect plays a large role in this. According to Islamic law, a woman is worth less than a man, and this is reflected in the laws of succession, property ownership, and marriage in Saudi Arabia. In addition, Saudi women are expected to cover themselves, and are not allowed to travel without the company of a male family member.
Challenges Facing Muslim Minorities
Despite recent efforts to accommodate minority Muslims, these communities face numerous challenges in Saudi Arabia. Shia Muslims are often discriminated against or excluded from public office or government positions, and they face difficulty obtaining domestic work. Non-Muslims often face persecution, as the country’s laws strictly prohibit the practice of any religion other than the strictly-adhered to Wahhabi Sunni Islam. The kingdom’s strict religious policies also hinder the advancement of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.
Western Interference
The Saudi government’s strict stance on religious freedom has led it into conflict with the Western countries. The US and other Western countries have often criticized the kingdom for its persecution of religious minorities and its restriction of women’s rights. The kingdom, on the other hand, maintains that these policies are necessary to maintain its stability and to protect its culture.
Impact on On Saudi Economy
The government’s strict adherence to the teachings of Wahhabi Sunni Islam has consequently had an effect on the nation’s economy. Non-Muslims are often prohibited from doing business or travelling in the country, and this restricts the kingdom’s ability to attract foreign investors and tourists. Additionally, the restriction of women’s rights restricts the potential development of female-owned businesses.
Conclusion
Despite efforts to accommodate minority communities, the government of Saudi Arabia remains firmly entrenched in the teachings of Wahhabi Sunni Islam. This has resulted in stringent restrictions on religious minorities, including discrimination against Shia Muslims, and hindered the development of the nation’s economy. The government has come into conflict with the Western world as a result of its restrictive policies, yet the government maintains that these measures are necessary in order to preserve its culture and maintain stability.
