Saudi

Introduction

1. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, the world’s second most popular religion, and has the world’s second largest oil reserves.
2. I was born in Saudi Arabia and spent the better part of my early years there. ( Relate an anecdote to gain credibility).
3. Saudi influence in the oil market and global economy being OPEC’s largest producing member. Saudi’s stature as the most influential nation in the Middle East.
4. The state religion is Islam, and it is the greatest influence in Saudi culture as well. The economy is based on its vast oil exports. Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by the House of Saud.

Transition: The three items, Islam and its influence on culture, oil and its effects on the economy, and Saud dynasty and its influence in Saudi politics sum up the Kingdom

Body

1. Saudi Arabia practices Islam and this has the greatest impact on the Kingdom’s culture.
2. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam
3. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) the last Prophet and the restorer of Islam.
4. Saudi Arabia hosts the two holiest shrines in Islam, at Mecca and Medina. Mecca is the site of the holiest relic in Islam, and Muslims from all over the world come for a Pilgrimage to Mecca every year.

• Islam greatly influences Saudi culture.
• The Kingdom’s official language is Arabic.
• The Kingdom has a mix of traditional Muslim and some modern contemporary architecture.
• Religion plays a significant role in the family setup, men and women expected to maintain traditional roles. Women, for example, are expected to adorn the traditional dress.
• Saudi government derives credibility from Islam.
• The Ulema, a body of (Islamic) religious leaders and jurists, endorsed Ibn Saud’s Kingship and has since been instrumental in running affairs of the state.
• Ulema led by the Al ash-Sheikh family descendants of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, founder of the fundamental Sunni Muslim doctrine of Wahhabism.
• The Al ash-Sheikh support Al Saud’s political power, receiving an acknowledgement of their authority in all matters religious in turn.
• Wahhabism is a staunch form of Islam ant it permeates all spheres of the Saudi government, from giving credibility to executive decisions to religious law.
• King referred to as “Custodian of the two Holy Mosques,” further evidence of the influence religion has on the state.
• Saudi Arabia’s economy is based on vast oil resources.
• Saudi Arabia is the largest oil exporter, oil drives economy (up to 50% of GDP).   

i.          Citizens do not pay taxes

ii.         Free education and healthcare

• Saudi Arabia holds 18% of known oil reserves.
• Future dependability on oil sector all but assured.
• Largest producer and can, therefore, control prices
• Saudi Arabia is a monarchy established in 1926
• Kingdom founded by Abdel Aziz Bin Saud.
• Ibn Saud unified the nation, gave the Kingdom his Name.
• Assumed leadership, declared himself King with the backing of the Ulema.
• Rule is hereditary. Descendants of King Ibn Saud rule the land ever since.
• Royal family constitutes most of the government
• Most members of the Council of Ministers are from the Royal family.
• Popular consultations or Majjlis are held to give citizens opportunities to be heard.

Conclusion

1. Summary
2. The state religion is Islam, and it permeates all spheres of Saudi life.
3. Islam gives ruling dynasty credibility
4. Traditional Islamic family values are emphasized.
5. Justice system is based on Islamic Shariah law.
6. The economy is based on oil exports accounting for up to 50% of GDP.
7. Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by the House of Saud.
8. Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of traditional Muslim ideals with just the right measure of modernity. It is a stable country politically, socially and economically.

References

Samore, G. S. (1983). Royal Family Politics in Saudi Arabia (1953-1982). University Microfilms.

Zuhur, Sherifa. Saudi Arabia. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, 2011. Print.