Islamic Saudi Arabia Analysis - Research Paper Example

Islamic Saudi Arabia Introduction The present day Saudi Arabia owes its existence to Prophet Mohammad, Holy Koran, Islam and Meccah, Medina. Before the arrival of prophet, the Arabian society was divided and diversified, with different tribes holding various religious faiths. The social and cultural bondage was virtually absent, among such tribes, during those days. This can be judged from the reading about pre-Islamic history of Saudi Arabia, as given below. The magnetic attraction of Prophet towards people of different backgrounds helped the unification of all Arabian communities, which resulted in the creation of Saudi Arabia, as a political entity, in 1932. As Prophet Mohammad was responsible for converting members of all communities into Islamic faith, the constitution of Saudi Arabia has been the Holy Koran. The Islamic law, called Shari’a guides the country. The King is bound by such laws, along with the advice of Ulema, the religious scholars. The status of women has improved, as compared to the same that was prevalent during the pre-Islamic period, in Arabian region. However, the same needs lot of further reforms, as the present laws are definitely against females. Incidentally, Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world, where women are not allowed to drive. The oil boom, starting from 1950-60 has brought prosperity and huge economic development to the nation, which is evident everywhere in the country, currently. Pre-Islamic history of Saudi Arabia Before the dawn of Islam and arrival of Prophet Mohammad, as messenger from God; the whole Arabian Peninsula was fragmented into different tribes, with no cohesion or authority. As there was total lack of any political organization or activity, in \the whole region; the moral authority of tribal chiefs ruled the day, which was decided by their personality and character. However, Yemen was an exception, as it had some sort of a political government. Due to lack of any government in the Arabia, the Justice was delivered, barely as per the wishes of injured victim, which most often resulted in harsh cruelty. Since no judges, police or other law enforcing agencies prevailed, the rule of justice was based on the feelings of revenge. Hence, the confederation of tribes played an important part to protect people from enemies, seeking such revenge. (Arabia Before Islam) No political authority The life in Arabia, during late sixth and early seventh century, A.D, just before the arrival of Prophet Mohammad, revolved mainly around war and other feuds among various tribes. As it is, the region is mostly covered by the Arabian Desert, which could not support life, as progressively, as is being done now. Therefore, war was seen as an instrument to reduce the population, while people enjoyed participating in such battles. They took it as an activity to kill their time, while war gave them the opportunity to show case their skills with bows, arrows, horsemanship and so on. The victory of the people in war would bring honor to the whole tribe. There were mainly two groups of Arabian population, at that time, called Hejaz and Bedouins. While people belonging to Hejaz section were settlers along the towns, Bedouins were nomadic tribes, which used to wander around, looking for their own prey. The sedentary population of Hejaz group always feared the nomads, as Bedouins were deemed to be the pirates of the desert, following their own anarchic traditions. The lack of any political authority, until the rise of Islam in the region was responsible for arrogance of the people. The command of any tribal leader and obedience to the same was mainly based on the sharing of booty, during any battle. The obedience would vanish, once the sharing gets over, as the members would freely change their loyalty. Religions followed in pre-Islamic Arabia Various tribes followed different religious faiths. Most of the population was idol worshippers, as Kabba in Makkah had around 360 idols made from stone and wood. The tradition says that it was built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ismail, in the service of God. The Zindiqs believed in dual character of the universal forces, as they thought that the two gods, evil and good, were engaged in an unending war. The atheists were non believers in god, who believed in materialism. After the upheavals of Jews from Jerusalem, in 70 A.D., they settled in Arabia towns of Yatrib, Khyber, among others. Many Arabs converted to the Jewish faith, during that time. (Arabia Before Islam) Romans were also responsible for spreading Christianity in North Arabia as Christians mainly lived in Naijran. The followers of Prophet Abraham were called Monotheists, as this group, later, comprised of families of Prophet Mohammad, future Caliph and Banu Hashim. Economic and Social conditions Jews remained the land-owners in Hejaz, while they had monopoly in the industry, which was mainly for making armaments. The other main activity of Arabian society was slavery, which included sale/purchase of male and female slaves. Money lenders also played an important part in the Arabian economy as they charged high rates on loans, making them richer and the borrower poorer. The residents of Hejaz, mainly the city of Makkaah, were merchants, money lenders and traders. The economy revolved around their activities, which involved travel and caravan trades. The social customs called for Arabs to bury their female infants alive. In addition, women had no status, in this male-dominated society, since females were treated as sex-objects only. There was no limit on the number of women, a male could marry. After the death of his father, the son was allowed to inherit the father’s wives, except the one who gave him birth. Drinking, gambling and sale of sex were common activities of Arabian people, during that time. Different customs of marriage prevailed in the region, particularly in Jahiliyah. These included group marriage, where a woman had intercourse with around ten men and bear a child from any of them. There were prostitutes, called ‘baghaya’, who used to have sex with anyone. However, the child born out of such intercourse would become legitimate son of the person, who was responsible for such birth. Prophet Mohammad, after his preaching of Islamic faith, is believed to have destroyed all marriages of such types.(Arabia Before Islam) Facts about Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is spread over an area of 2,250.000 square kilometers. On its southern side lie Yemen, Qatar, Oman and United Arab Emirates, while Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait are its northern neighbors. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has Red Sea on its western side, while Persian Gulf lies on the eastern side. The cultural identity of the people is predominantly Islam-oriented. The area is mostly arid, with vast deserts, having scarce rainfall. However, areas like Asir have enough rainfall to support agricultural activities, like terrace farming. There are no rivers in the area, except few water bodies like pools and artificial ponds. The region of Najd has homelands of Bidouin community, while it retains its importance as political and cultural center of the kingdom. The region of Hijaz is linked with the Islamic activities, as it has cities of Makaah and Madina, which remain holy cities for Muslims, all over the world. While Jeddah is a commercial center in Hejaz, Taif remains its summer capital. The region of Asir is primarily known for agricultural activities. However, people of both Hijaz and Asir are engaged in sea-based activities, like fishing and trading. The eastern provinces of Saudi Arabia are famous for oil and gas wells. The refinery and distribution plants are located here. After the oil boom, Dhammam, Al-Khuber and Dahran have gained importance as commercial centers, while industrial activity has picked up rapidly in Jubail. (Saudi Arabia) The language has strong links to the Koran, holy book of Islam. The ‘Fusha’ Arabic is used for all formal purposes, prayers and written communication, while day-to-day conversation follows ‘qumiya’ Arabic language. The national flag of this kingdom has color of Islam, green, in the background, while the inscription on the flag says that there is only one God and Mohammad is his messenger. The sword of Islam was added to the flag, in the form of a white saber, in 1906. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formed after the unification of Najd, Hijaz and Asir, along with their dependencies. The kingdom celebrates its national day on September 23, heralding this unification that happened in 1932.(Saudi Arabia) Culture of Saudi Arabia The culture of this kingdom revolves around Islam and its teachings, by Prophet Mohammad. The Islamic twin holy cities, Mekaah and Madina are located here. Friday, being the holiest day for Muslims, is a holiday. Minarets of the mosques announce ‘Azans’ for the people to offer the prayers, called ‘Namaz’, five times in 24 hours. No non-believer is allowed inside the mosques or the holy cities. Saudi Arabia takes pride in its Islamic heritage, while valuing its past traditions and customs. After the birth of Islam, the country’s cultural development included new achievements in arts, philosophy and science, which has been reflected in the “Islamic Golden Age”. Being the country that has holy places like Mekah and Medina; vast majority of Muslim pilgrims have been visiting this country, since last several centuries. Carpets and ivory was brought by these pilgrims, who took back the domestic goods. The exchange of trade, in such manner, has added to the development of culture in the country. The holy month of Ramzan is observed with prayers and fasting, by everyone, while pilgrims from all over the world come to Mekkah and Medina for Hajj pilgrimage. ‘Eid-ul-fitr’, which symbolizes the end of fasting period, during holy month of Ramzan, is celebrated enthusiastically, with the exchange of gifts among people, who congratulate each other on this day. The ‘Eid-ul-Zuha’ coincides with the culmination of Hajj season and this day is celebrated by slaughtering a sheep. This tradition has been carried out by the Saudi Arabian people to respect the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son. The hospitality shown by the people towards strangers and guests is another aspect of Arabian rich culture. The guests are welcomed with tea or coffee in small cups, along with dates and sweets, while ‘oud’ incense is burnt on such occasions. (Culture and Art) National culture While people of the country are preserving the cultural heritage, by maintaining old houses and mosques; the national culture is fully integrated with modernism. The symbols of such modern culture are the petrochemical installations, oil industry research and development, a national airline, among others. The deserts have become wheat-growing fields, with modern technological help. The streets of cities are lined with air-conditioned malls, sky scrapers, ports and multi-lane highways. However, the country’s most powerful cultural traits have direct link with Islam and Koran. While the kingdom has deep roots in Islamic traditions, people of this country follow the Koran, without asking any question. They believe that God has revealed in the holy book, Koran, the things which are essential to be followed by any Muslim. Koran being in clear Arabic language, the people of this kingdom recite its verses, from early childhood. Muslims believe that god has chosen Mohammad for sending his message through Koran. As the revelation first occurred in the year 622 CE, in Mekkah and Medina, it was marked as the first year of Islamic ‘Hijri’ calendar. The powerful influence of Prophet Mohammad became a magnetic force for all the tribes to accept Islam, along with its political and cultural agenda. Most of the tribal and local communities in Arabia had accepted Islam, by the time of Prophet’s death, in the year 632. However, the process of conversion was completed by the first Caliph of Islam, Abu Bakr. This laid the foundation of the political system that ruled Saudi Arabia, since then. The culture derived from such system, was a binding force for the people to follow, religiously. The conversion of people to Islam continued as Arabian converts were instrumental in spreading this religion, throughout Africa and Middle East. The new found religion became a strong force that paved the way for various innovations and legal practices. New laws and political concepts were created, keeping in view the whole world, as Mohammad could anticipate the spread of Islam to all corners of earth. Accordingly, the Muslim laws had universal appeal, which brought together different communities and tribes, under common social and cultural agenda. (Saudi Arabia) Emergence of Saudi Arabia as a nation In 1730s, Sheikh Mohammad Al Abed al-Wahab started a strong movement, which asked people to act according to the commands of Koran, strictly, while following the Hadith that has record of Prophet’s narration and action. In the year 1744, the Sheikh collaborated with Amir of Al-Dariyah, Muhammad Al Saud, for creating a state that could follow the principals of Islam. The religious reforms, thus brought by these noble leaders, created a new legal structure, in which Al Saud had the position of Umra, meaning the ruling class and Al Sheikh had the position of Ulema, meaning the learned one. This movement resulted in the establishment of Islamic schools, settlement of new communities, based on Koranic teachings. The reforms also involved military struggle, as the first bureaucratic state was created in Najd during the year 1765 and in Hijz from 1803 ill 1813. However, the rule was temporarily stopped, as Egyptian army defeated the forces in these places. Finally, religious reforms again continued from the year 1702, led by Abd-al-Aziz-Al-Saud, which finally brought the unification of all communities in 1932, to form the nation of Saudi Arabia. All Saudi Arabians are Muslims and there is no issue regarding division of people on the basis of race, creed or color. Every one participates in the community, called Ummah. However, tradition that relates people with the originality of tribes is still dominant in this country. While the people of Hijz are known as ‘Ashraf’, being the direct decedents of Prophet Mohammad, there are others who have past tribal ancestral connections. The Muslim identity is the foremost thing which matters, as ethnic background or racial difference does not have any significance, once this identity is established. However, the prominent division between the citizen of this country and an immigrant is noticeable everywhere. This has social significance; as people from other countries arrive in Saudi Arabia for work and discharges their role in the economic development of this country, but they are never accepted as part of the society. Therefore, Muslims from other countries are not granted resident-ship or citizenship, easily. Laws are based on Islamic Shari’a All criminal and civil laws and other parts of the legal system are entirely based on the Shari’a. The basic law was adopted in the country, during year 1992, when Saudi Arabia was declared as a monarchy ruled by Al-Saud family. The Islamic law, called shari’a, is governed by the constitution of this country, which is Holy Koran. Even the king is supposed to observe the Saudi tradition, while adhering to the Shari’a. The king is usually chosen among the members of royal family. However, the same should have approval of the religious leaders, Ulema. The king needs to have consent from Ulema on all important matters, concerning the governance of the kingdom. Shari’a courts exercise their jurisdiction, as the criminal and civil cases are heard. All petitions regarding, marriage, divorce and child custody are settled as per the rulings of Shari’a, the Islamic law. Even non-Muslims are tried under these laws, when any offence is committed in the country. The judgment of Shari’a courts are entirely based on the interpretation, as detailed by Ulema, of Koran and Sunna. The summary courts give usual verdicts, for small cases. However, there are Shari’a courts of common pleas, where cases pertaining to serious crimes are discussed. Any appeals related to Shari’a courts are heard in the Courts of Appeal. Shia Muslims are allowed by the government to decide their noncriminal cases, using their own traditions and practices. However, this can be done within the Shia community only. (Constitution, Government & Legislation) There is an autonomous body, comprising of 20 senior religious jurists, which is called The Council of Senior Religious Scholars. The council has minister of Justice as one of its members. function of this Council is to guide the lower courts, on principals of legal practices, based on Shari’a, the Islamic law. The Special Administrative Tribunals decide cases regarding foreign Judgment enforcement and claims against the government. The examples of such tribunals are the establishment of ‘Board of Grievances and Commission for the Settlement of Labor Disputes’. Cases regarding military disputes are dealt by Military Justice System, which has the powers to enforce Court Marshal decisions. However, the king has powers to review the same. Judges are appointed by the Justice Ministry, which also has control over the courts, in matters pertaining to their administrative, financial and judicial issues. King appoints the members of Supreme Judicial Council. Members of this Council can remove judges, as they guide them on the matters regarding application of Shari;a rules and interpretation of Koran, while settling difficult cases. All citizens are very obedient and follow the government and court directives, as they cannot afford to question the Shari’a, Koran or Ulema. That would mean breach of faith for them. (Constitution, Government & Legislation) Human rights issues The internationally accepted definition of human rights differs from the one that is being followed in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government depends on the interpretation of Koran and Shari’a laws for deciding the cases involving human rights. The record of Saudi Government regarding human rights remains poor, as the detainees are tortured by security forces, while the execution methods of punishment is very harsh and crude. People cannot change the laws, as there is no democratically elected government. The king and Ulema have the ultimate power to do so. They are guided by the Islamic law and Koran, as and when they try to bring in some reforms, in this direction. While there have been instances of restrictions on freedom of speech, association and choice of religion, the present government is trying to bring in more reforms, in this direction also. The detainees have no choice for taking assistance from a legal counsel, resulting in most trials being closed, without any defense put up by the accused. The Islamic laws, and their execution, remain same for citizens of the country and foreigners. (Constitution, Government & Legislation) Rights of women Taking guidance from interpretation of Koran, Saudi government has different laws for males and females. The females are treated as minors, irrespective of their age. Accordingly, no woman is allowed to go out of her home, without the company of any male escort. The man accompanying such woman should be her husband or a close relative. The working of woman, alone, in any office is prohibited. However, in the year 2009, the Ministry of Commerce issued an order that allowed woman to conduct business with this ministry, without a male representative. Other ministries are yet to pass any such law. Women are not allowed to vote in this country. To protest against such prohibition, Saudi women launched a campaign, called ‘Baladi’, for getting their voting rights, in March 2011. The campaign could not bring any successful result, as women were not allowed to vote, or participate as a candidate, in the September 2011 municipal elections. However, the wave of change is coming in this direction, as the king has promised to allow women voters participating in the year 2015 municipal elections. The process of issuing identity cards to women has been going on for many years in this country. In addition, the king has also promised that the Shura Council would also have women as full members, soon. Women are not allowed to drive in this country. Recently a lady, named Manal-al-Sharif, was arrested for driving a car. However, she was released after making an appeal to the king. Although there is no law governing the women drivers in Saudi Arabia, the senior religious leaders, guided by the Shari’a and their own interpretation of Koran, are against allowing women to drive in this country. A campaign called, “women2drive” has started in the kingdom, to liberate women from such prohibition. (World Report 2012) Rights of migrant workers There is no law protecting the basic rights of foreign workers, living as migrants in Saudi Arabia. Although the migrant workers number equals to more than half of the national work force, the labor exploitation and abuse is rampant, which many have labeled as “slavery”. There is a sponsorship system, called ‘kafala’ which binds the migrant worker to his employer, as he cannot change the job or leave this country, without employer’s consent. The employers often abuse this system and force, sometimes, the migrant worker to labor without any wages. The incidence of keeping passports and other travel documents of such workers are quite common. In addition, the migrant worker has no right to appeal against this injustice. A sizable number of domestic workers comprise of women coming from Asian countries. Most of foreign embassies have often complained against abuses that these women suffer. The cruelties include working for 15 to 20 hours a day, forced confinement, starving and non-payment of wages. In addition, the women domestic workers are subjected to physical and sexual abuse.(World Report 2012) Saudi Arabia--March towards development Before the oil boom, around 40% of Saudi population comprised of nomadic tribes, who lived in tents, while migrating from one place to another, along with their camels and other animal stock. Asir had agriculturists, which comprised another 40% of total Saudi population. They lived in rural areas and around oasis. Balance 20 % lived in urban cities like Mecca, Medina, Taif, and Riyadh. However, the scenario changed rapidly, since the growth of oil industry, as nomadic population settled in villages, while villagers travelled to urban areas for prosperity. New cities developed and people began to work as businessmen, traders, taxi drivers in these urban centers. The overall infrastructure has seen significant changes, as multi-lane highways have come up everywhere. These are lined with most modern sky-scrappers, designed by best architects of the world. The shopping malls are seen everywhere, with goods of all kinds and brands. (Saudi Arabia) Conclusion Saudi Arabia, as ruled by generations of Al-Saud family, since 1932, has progressed in every sphere of life. The kings, of this monarchy have been progressive in the outlook, during all ages. However, much improvement is required in the field of human rights and dispensation of court cases. As all cases are settled according to Islamic laws, Shari’a, The Ulemas have greater say in establishing the laws and their amendments. The present king is ready to bring reforms, but he is bound by Shari’a and needs to take consensus opinion of Ulema Council, before making any changes in the current laws. Saudi citizens, being Muslims, have complete confidence in Ulema and Shari’a. Therefore, they abide by all laws very obediently, without any questions. Word Count: 3835 Works Cited “Arabia Before Islam.” Restatement of History of Islam Al-islam, n.d. Web. 10 May, 2013. “Constitution, Government & Legislation” Saudi Arabia, World Law, Jurist. n.d. Web 11 May, 2013 “Culture and Art.” About Saudi Arabia, Saudi embassy, n.d. Web. 10 May, 2013. “Saudi Arabia.” Culture of Saudi Arabia, Countries and their Cultures, n.d. Web. 10 May, 2013. “World Report 2012”, Saudi Arabia, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH, n.d. Web, 10 May, 2013 Read More