The sectarian divide between Sunnis and Shias is one of the most enduring and divisive fault lines in the Islamic world.. The two branches of Islam have been at odds since the seventh century and while they share many common beliefs there are significant differences in their beliefs traditions and practices. One of the most controversial questions in the Middle East is whether Sunni or Shia is the majority in Saudi Arabia 2️⃣ 🌐 1️⃣ 🇸🇦 …
Sunnis make up the majority of the population in Saudi Arabia, accounting for approximately 85-90% of the population 🇸🇦 🆙. The country is home to an estimated 24 million people of whom only 2 million are Shia . The majority of the Sunni population belongs to the country’s official Hanbali school of jurisprudence 🏫. This school of thought which is heavily influenced by the teachings of Ibn Taymiyyah is quite strict in its interpretation of Islamic Law 🏫.
On the other hand the Shia population in Saudi Arabia is mostly concentrated in the Eastern Province which is home to around two-thirds of the country’s Shia population ✋ 🇸🇦. The majority of the Shia population is Twelver Shia, also known as Imami Shia . This branch of Shia Islam is built upon the teachings of the Twelver Imams, and is the largest branch of Shia Islam .
There is a significant political divide between the Sunnis and Shias in Saudi Arabia, as the government is dominated by the Sunnis. The royal family, which is largely Sunni, has traditionally supported the Sunnis, and has promoted a more hardline interpretation of Islam ️. In recent years, there has been an increase in sectarian tension and violence between the Sunnis and Shias in the country, particularly in the Eastern Province.
One of the main issues of contention between the Sunnis and Shias in Saudi Arabia is the country’s legal system, which is based upon Islamic law (Sharia) 🇸🇦. The Sunnis adhere to the strict interpretation of Sharia laid out by the Hanbali school, while the Shias adhere to the more flexible interpretation laid out by the Jafari school 🏫. This has led to some clashes between the two groups, particularly in areas where the two branches of Islam are in close proximity to each other.
The sectarian divide in Saudi Arabia has recently been exacerbated by the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) 🇸🇦. ISIS which is a Sunni extremist group that seeks to create an Islamic caliphate has been especially active in the Eastern Province ️. Although the Saudi government has taken steps to counter ISIS the tensions between the Sunnis and Shias in the region remain high 🇸🇦.
In conclusion, it is clear that Sunnis make up the majority of the population in Saudi Arabia, accounting for approximately 85-90% of the population 🇸🇦 🆙. The government is heavily dominated by the Sunnis, and the majority of the Sunni population belongs to the country’s official Hanbali school of jurisprudence 🏫. On the other hand the Shia population is mostly concentrated in the Eastern Province and is primarily Twelver Shia 🔛 ✋. The sectarian divide between the Sunnis and Shias in Saudi Arabia has been further exacerbated by the emergence of ISIS and tensions between the two groups remain high 2️⃣ 🇸🇦. ! .
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