Religion in Saudi Arabia

As per the 1992 Basic Law of Governance, Islam is recognized as the official religion of the country, and the Quran and Sunna (traditions and practices derived from the life of Prophet Muhammad) serve as the constitution.

Saudi Arabia's religious history is deeply intertwined with the emergence and spread of Islam. Before the 7th century, the Arabian Peninsula was a mosaic of tribal societies practicing polytheism. The birth of Islam occurred with the revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final messenger in a line of prophets, including Moses and Jesus, according to Islamic belief.

Muhammad's teachings emphasized the oneness of God (Allah), moral conduct, and social justice. The Quran, considered the holy book of Islam, codified these teachings. The Prophet's migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE is a pivotal event in Islamic history, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Under Muhammad's leadership, Islam gained followers and unified various Arabian tribes. After his death in 632 CE, the first four Caliphs, known as the Rashidun Caliphs, continued to spread Islam beyond Arabia, reaching regions like Persia and the Levant.

Over the centuries, different Islamic dynasties and empires played a role in shaping the religious landscape. The spread of Islam was often accompanied by cultural, scientific, and architectural achievements. Mecca and Medina, two of the holiest cities in Islam, gained prominence with the construction of mosques and religious institutions.

In the 18th century, Muhammad Ibn Saud formed an alliance with the religious reformer Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab, giving rise to the first Saudi state. The alliance established the basis for the strict interpretation of Islam known as Wahhabism, which has had a significant influence on the country's religious identity.

In 1932, Abdulaziz Ibn Saud unified the region into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, establishing a state guided by Islamic principles. The country's legal system is rooted in Sharia law, with the Hanbali school of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence serving as a major influence.

Today, Saudi Arabia remains a custodian of Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, attracting millions of Muslims annually for the pilgrimage (Hajj).

Approximately 85 to 90 percent of Saudi Arabia's roughly 21 million citizens adhere to Sunni Islam, while Shia Muslims make up 10 to 12 percent of the overall citizen population. Additionally, in the Eastern Province, Shia Muslims constitute an estimated 25 to 30 percent of the local population.

In the era preceding the advent of Islam in Arabia, the religious landscape was characterized by a diverse blend of polytheism, Christianity, Judaism, and Iranian religions. Arab polytheism held a dominant position, revolving around the worship of various deities and supernatural entities like djinn. Local shrines, including the renowned Kaaba in Mecca, served as focal points for the veneration of gods and goddesses.

Within this polytheistic framework, scholars propose that Allah might have been among the deities in the Meccan religion, although with limited prominence. The Kaaba, a central religious structure, was dedicated to multiple gods, and it is suggested that up to 360 idols, representing these deities, were housed within it. Despite the diversity of gods and goddesses, some physical descriptions and attributes of pre-Islamic gods were often associated with idols near the Kaaba

The predominant religious groups in Saudi Arabia are:

1. Islam
2. Non-Muslims
3. Irreligion

The majority of early Indian immigrants to Saudi Arabia were Muslims, but since 2001, there has been a noticeable rise in the proportion of Indian Hindus. Additionally, the number of Hindus from the Nepali diaspora has increased, leading to Hinduism becoming the fastest-growing religion in Saudi Arabia.

The open observance of any religion besides Islam is not allowed, and there is no distinction between state and religion.

The legal framework in Saudi Arabia does not include provisions for freedom of religion. The law specifically criminalizes any direct or indirect challenges to the religion or justice of the King or Crown Prince. It prohibits the promotion of atheistic ideologies, any attempts to question the fundamentals of Islam, publications that contradict Islamic law, and various acts such as non-Islamic public worship, public display of non-Islamic religious symbols, conversion from Islam to another religion, and proselytizing by non-Muslims.

Religion holds a central and defining role in Saudi Arabia, deeply influencing both public and private spheres. As an Islamic theocracy rooted in conservative interpretations of Sunni Islam, particularly the Wahhabi school, the country's governance, legal system, and societal norms are profoundly shaped by religious principles. Sharia (Islamic law) forms the basis of the legal system, with religious authorities exerting significant influence over legal and social matters. Islamic values permeate various facets of life, including education, media, and public policies. Mosques are widespread, and daily life is marked by a fundamental commitment to religious observance.

Religion plays a pivotal role in the workplace in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the country's deeply ingrained Islamic values and cultural norms. Business practices and professional conduct are often influenced by adherence to Islamic principles, impacting everything from work hours to dress codes. The workweek is structured to accommodate religious obligations, with businesses adjusting schedules to align with daily prayer times and the Islamic day of rest on Friday. Additionally, Islamic ethics and principles guide business interactions, emphasizing honesty, integrity, and fairness. The presence of religious norms extends to the segregation of genders in the workplace, reflecting broader societal norms.