Saudi Arabia’s religious beliefs are similar to many others in Middle East. They are largely based on Islam a monotheistic religion that is divided into Sunni or Shiite. Saudi Arabia is dominated largely by Sunni Muslims. Approximately 90% of the population follows this branch of Islam. The remaining 10% are Shiites 🔛 🇸🇦 ️ !!
Sunni Islam is the largest and oldest branch of Islamic faith, established by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. It’s officially recognized by Saudi Arabia and practiced by most Muslims around the world. Sunnis believe in Allah’s absolute sovereignty plethora in Quran as God’s literal word; they adhere to both Hadith (oral traditions) and Sunnah (practices) of Prophet Muhammad as the basis of their belief system.
In Saudi Arabia, Sunnis observe the Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada (Declaration of Faith), Salat (Prayer), Zakat (Obligatory Charity), Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) 🇸🇦 5️⃣. Additionally, they adhere to the teachings of the four Sunni schools of law, known as the madhhabs, which are Maliki, Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. Sunnis are also known for their strict interpretation of monotheism and the unity of the Islamic community, or ummah.
Shiite Islam, the second-largest branch, is practiced primarily within Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and by smaller groups in other countries . Shiites differ from Sunnis when they believe that Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in law, and his descendents are the rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad. They are also faithful to the Hadiths and Sunnah, but have a diverse interpretation for certain aspects of Islamic law.
In Saudi Arabia Shiites make up the remaining 10% of the population and are concentrated in the eastern province of al-Hasa where they constitute the majority. They are also present in other parts of the country, particularly in major cities just like Riyadh, and Jeddah. Shiites are distinct from Sunnis in a many ways, containing their theologies, practices, and rituals. For example, they celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Husayn, on the tenth day of Muharram, and observe Ashura, an annual day of mourning for Husayn’s martyrdom. They also observe the Shia holy day of Arbaeen, which commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn, and the Day of Ashura, which marks the martyrdom of his son, Ali .
Despite the differences between Sunnis and Shiites, there is a powerful sense of unity among Muslims in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 ️. The government has been successful in promoting a shared national identity among citizens, regardless of religious affiliation. Additionally the country has adopted a series of reforms in recent years to improve religious freedom consisting of allowing non-Muslims to practice their faith in private and allowing women greater freedom to participate in public life ️ 👩.
Saudi Arabia is a predominantly Sunni country. Around 90% of the population adheres to this branch. The remaining 10% of the population are Shiites. They are concentrated in the east province of al-Hasa but are also found in other parts . Despite differences between Sunnis or Shiites there is a powerful sense among Muslims in Saudi Arabia. The government has been successful in encouraging a common national identity among citizens, regardless their religious affiliation.
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Finally
In Saudi Arabia, Sunnis observe the Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada (Declaration of Faith), Salat (Prayer), Zakat (Obligatory Charity), Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca). In addition, they adhere to the teachings of the four Sunni schools of law, known as the madhhabs, which are Maliki, Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. For example, they celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Husayn, on the tenth day of Muharram, and observe Ashura, an annual day of mourning for Husayn’s martyrdom.
🏫 👩 5️⃣ 🌍 4️⃣ 🔛 🆙 🇸🇦 ️
