Religious Institutions in Saudi Arabia: History, Evolution and Development Features

Abstract

This work is devoted to religion and religious institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, being a Muslim state according to the law, turns to religion in order to legitimize its policy. Therefore, due to the increasing role of Saudi Arabia in the region and the world, the study of religion and its place in the state is considered very relevant and important. The first introductory part of the article examines the role of Islam in the history of the formation of Saudi statehood outlines the main provisions of the doctrine of Wahhabism. The main part of the work examines the history, evolution and features, the role and positions of various religious institutions in the country. In conclusion, it is concluded that the authorities of the kingdom are undertaking an increasing securitization of state policy in relation to religious institutions; religion is being «nationalized». The analysis of the role of religious change in the kingdom is based on the approach of dividing reforms into tajdid and islah.