Saudi Arabia is host country to two of the most important religious
heritage cities in Islam, Makkah and Medina, which connect to the very hearts
of the billions of Muslims worldwide. Their continuing existence represents an
extremely important factor in the foundation of Islam - tawheed. This teaches and emphasises the
Islamic belief in the total divinity of God.
Importantly, it also emphasises that this belief should not be
adulterated, in any way, with elements that may lead people to assign equals or
partners or any divine concepts to any other than Him.
Saudi Arabia, since its inception, has led Muslims worldwide
to follow this very important teaching of Islam, without which no other Islamic
teachings or practices would be pure or authentic. It is a Sunni majority
country, where scholars, together with the ruling Household, have established
and continue to lead the way to religious stability, and maintenance of the
religious establishment.
Saudi Arabia has always been concerned for the welfare of Muslims
worldwide. It has spent, generously, billions of dollars for the benefit of
Muslims all over the planet, helping to build mosques, Islamic seminaries, and
welfare projects and contributed in many ways to all kinds of educational and
charitable works.
Saudi Arabia has also played an important role in the
development of poor countries. It has spent vast sums, over many years, on
development projects, particularly in Muslim and Arab countries and in general
in most of the underdeveloped countries. By sharing its wealth it has succeeded
in creating civil infrastructures, human development and welfare projects.
Saudi Arabia has also been a focus of political stability in
the Middle East, at a time when
political turmoil have been taking place all around it, and has stood firm and
dealt with any arising danger. Its rulers, the ‘House of Al-Saud’, have
provided, whilst ignoring considerable risk to themselves, the right direction
for the development of their country, and for the maintenance of the interests
of Muslims, particularly the Sunni Muslims, worldwide. Their generosity and
political shrewdness has exceeded people’s expectations.
One of the major services that Saudi Arabia offers
successfully, day in and day out, is its assistance to Muslim pilgrims desiring
to fulfil their duty of Umrah or Hajj. To provide services for the comfort of
the millions of Muslims who visit the country on daily basis is a monumental
task, without which many would be unable to perform one of their most important
religious duties in peace and security.
People around the world express many different opinions about
Saudi Arabia’s political and religious stance.
But, surely, all countries in the world tailor their policies in the
light of their own individual security concerns, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. It has its own religious heritage, its
political orientation in the interests of its country, the country’s interest
in the region’s stability and most importantly the maintenance of peace and
harmony in the running of two major religious cities; Makkah and Medina.
Saudi Arabia has faced two major criticisms. First, that of being home to most of the Al-Qaidah
members involved in the twin towers attack and helping in the consequent spread
of intolerant Islam. Secondly, Muslim groups who are against Saudi Arabia’s
version of Islam, and who mainly belong to the Shia tradition and the Sufi and
Brelvi versions of Islam. No doubt each group seeks to further their own
interest when criticising the country in terms of religious practices.
Saudi Arabia has suffered most from the fringe terror groups
who have been targeting civil and military interests in the country. If some
people continue to express extreme views on world politics, they do not come
from within the religious establishment or the country’s policies about
non-Muslims. The country has always supported good community relations and
interfaith work, and continues to sponsor major projects to promote peaceful
coexistence between people and nations.
People may have major differences of opinion about the
policies of Saudi Arabia but surely they feel the same about those of their own
countries. We have seen enough instability and political upheaval in the
aftermath of the so called Arab Spring. Let us not wish the same fate on the
stability of this very important country in the Muslim world and on its two
holiest sites, sacred in the hearts of all Muslims.
