Background Information
Saudi Arabia is an important monotheistic country located in the Middle East on the Arabian Peninsula. It is the birthplace of Islam. The vast majority of Saudi Arabia’s population is estimated to be Muslim, with over 90 percent of its citizens identifying as such. This makes the country one of the most Islamic nations in the world. This article seeks to provide an in-depth analysis of thepercentage of Muslims in the Kingdom and the various factors contributing to it.
Demographic Data
There is a wide range of estimates regarding the population of Saudi Arabia; however, reliable estimates point to a population of around 34 million, with an estimated Muslim population of 30.9 million people. This means that Muslims constitute approximately 91.2 percent of Saudi Arabia’s total population. Additionally, a survey done in 2001 by the US Government Agency for International Development (USAID) revealed that 97.3 percent of Saudi Arabians adhere to the religion of Islam.
Shi’a Muslims in Saudi Arabia
It is important to note that Saudi Arabia is predominantly Sunni Muslim, however, there is a significant population of Shi’a Muslims in the country, particularly in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The Shi’a Muslim population in the Eastern Province is estimated to be around 5-15 percent of the country’s total population. This is actively rejected by the Saudi government and as a result, there is little to no representation or recognition of this population in the country.
Role of Muslim Tradition and Culture
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace and home of Islam and its culture and traditions. It is no surprise that Islam plays an integral role in the lives of the people of the Kingdom and is deeply rooted in its culture and values. This results in a strong adherence to the teachings and traditions of Islam, which further increases the percentage of Muslims in the country. Additionally, the Islamic School of Law and the Prophet’s teachings have been fundamental in shaping Saudi Arabia as an Islamic nation.
Role of the Saudi Government and Islamic Laws
The government of Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in the laws and teachings of Islam. The Saudi government enforces Islamic laws rigorously and the law of apostasy is strictly enforced. This law prohibits any citizen of Saudi Arabia from embracing any other religion apart from Islam. Additionally, practicing any other religion within the Kingdom is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. As a result, this contributes to the high number of Muslims in the country.
Influence of Islam Over Saudi Citizens
Islam plays an inescapable role in the lives of Saudi citizens. Almost all aspects of life in the Kingdom are governed by Islamic laws and doctrine, from the attire worn by citizens, to their daily thoughts and actions. Islam is very firmly embedded in the social fabric of the Kingdom, and it is not uncommon to hear citizens quoting the Quran and the Hadith in daily conversations. Citizens are heavily exposed to Islamic teachings and teachings from the Prophet, and this plays a major role in influencing their religious beliefs and practices. This, in turn, has resulted in the majority of citizens identifying as Muslims.
Role of Education
Education is another important factor in determining the percentage of Muslims in the Kingdom. Islamic teachings are heavily emphasized in the school curriculum in Saudi Arabia, and students are exposed to the basics of Islam from a young age. Moreover, the emphasis on education in the Kingdom has significantly increased its literacy rate. This has resulted in a better understanding of Islamic beliefs and teachings among citizens, which has further played a role in increasing the percentage of Muslims in the Kingdom.
Role of Media and Print Publications
The media in Saudi Arabia plays an important role in shaping public opinions and attitudes towards Islam. Islamic teachings are actively propagated through the various media outlets in the Kingdom, such as newspapers, magazines, television programs, and radio broadcasts. Additionally, religious programs are specifically tailored to educate citizens about Islamic beliefs and teachings. This has had a great impact on the percentage of Muslims in the country.
Muslim Population Growth in Saudi Arabia
The percentage of Muslims in Saudi Arabia is constantly on the rise. This is due to the high birth rate in the Kingdom, as well as the influx of immigrants from other parts of the Muslim world, which has contributed to an increase in the population of Muslims in the Kingdom. Additionally, Islam is a fast growing religion and the Kingdom’s strict adherence to its laws and teachings has contributed to the high percentage of Muslims in the country.
Role of External Factors
External factors, such as global politics, have also had an effect on the percentage of Muslims in Saudi Arabia. For example, the anti-western sentiment in the Middle East, which has been fuelled by the war in Iraq, has resulted in many Saudis turning to Islam for solace and comfort. Additionally, the global Islamist movements are also influencing the percentage of Muslims in the country.
Role of Large Communities and Organizations
Large organizations, such as the Muslim World League (MWL), have a major influence on the percentage of Muslims in the Kingdom. MWL is a Saudi-based Islamic NGO with a large membership and vast influence in the Muslim World. This organization plays a major role in promoting and propagating Islamic teachings throughout the Kingdom and beyond. This has had a great impact on the percentage of Muslims in Saudi Arabia.
Economics of Islam
The economy of Saudi Arabia is largely based on Islam, and the country’s laws and regulations are based on Islamic doctrine. This has had an effect on the percentage of Muslims in the country, as it encourages Muslims to invest and pursue economic activities within the Kingdom. Additionally, the religious undertones of the economy attract Muslims from other countries to invest in the Saudi economy, which has contributed to an increase in the percentage of Muslims in the country.
Government Support for Islam
The government of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on Islam and has actively supported its propagation in the Kingdom. The government has taken various steps to promote the development of Islamic institutions and to encourage citizens to adhere to Islamic teachings. This has had a great effect on the percentage of Muslims in the country.
Conclusion
It is evident that the percentage of Muslims in Saudi Arabia is extremely high and is constantly on the rise. This can be attributed to a multitude of factors, ranging from the role of Islamic tradition and culture, to the government’s strict adherence to Islamic laws and regulations and its support for the propagation of Islamic teachings. Additionally, external factors, such as global politics and large Islamic organizations, have played a major role in increasing the percentage of Muslims in the country.
