S
Shruti Dasgupta
Guest
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is ready to transform Saudi Arabia! In recent years, under his rule, the nation has transformed from its staunch Islamic fundamentalism to a more inclusive ideology. This shift, marked by a series of significant reforms and cultural initiatives, has many hardliners shifting uncomfortably in their seats.
However, the Saudi’s departure from strict religious orthodoxy towards a more progressive and nationalist identity is Prince MBS’s way of defanging the rising radicalism in the religion. Let’s talk about how the Arabs are ready to be less exclusively Muslim! Are they embracing their roots?!
PC Time and Date
The 2023 Ramadan Reforms was the first of many changes constituted under Prince MBS’s rule. Islamic fundamentalism was hit big time by the Saudi government’s guidelines aimed at reforming traditional practices. Reports state that the following guidelines are applicable for 2024:
These reforms are Saudi Arabia’s way of showing a new path of Islamic worship to the world. However, will these reforms be instituted in Bharat? No one knows.
As per Vision 2030, Prince MBS aims to promote a nationalist narrative and foster coexistence. As a step in the right direction, the Saudi government has integrated Indian culture into the curriculum. In April 2023, Sanatani epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata were introduced into Saudi Schools!
Bharat still suffers from nay-sayers who question not only the existence of Shri Ram but also his character. However, by opting to place Ramayana and Mahabharat in its curriculum, they are affirming the timeless lessons that Sanatni epics offer to the new generation. This shift towards tolerance and diversity in Saudi Arabia should shame the Indian liberals and ‘seculars’.
PC OpIndia
In November 2023, a social media movement began in this Arab nation. This popular movement advocates for the revival of ancient Arabian pre-Islamic deities. This phenomenon emerged around November 2023, coinciding with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s broader agenda to reshape Saudi Arabia’s national identity.
Consequently, social media users began promoting the Trinity of ancient Arabian goddesses – ‘Al-Lat’, ‘Manat’, and ‘Al-Uzza’. The worship of these goddesses was an integral part of the Arab historical and cultural heritage. Advocates of the resurgence ask for the preservation of this Arab heritage. These relics and practices showcase the national identity of the region. Moreover, it helps the people connect to their ancestral roots from before the takeover by Islamic fundamentalism in the region. Furthermore, the tourism potential of accepting and showcasing pre-Islamic deities and relics plays a large part in this movement.
Saudi Arabia‘s journey towards deradicalization is met with resistance from its conservative elements. Case in point, external scrutiny and accusations of ideological dilution when non-Muslim Indian Union Minister Smriti Irani‘s visit to Medina in a Saree! Wahabi fundamentalists argue against the promotion of pre-Islamic relics.
PC News18
Despite the presence of detractors, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman continues to pave the way ahead for the nation. Recently, he passed the decision to serve liquor to non-Muslims in the nation. The first Saudi liquor shop and bar has opened its doors to visitors and non-Muslims. Liquor was banned for all in the nation for 70 years! But this did not stop Prince MBS from changing the rules! However, this radical change has sparked debates about the balance between religious values and modernization in the nation.
PC Responsible Statecraft
Saudi Arabia’s stance on Islamic fundamentalism is clear. Prince Mohammed Bin Salan wants nothing to do with it. The move to embrace pre-Islamic heritage reflects a commitment to societal transformation. Moreover, the acceptance of Sanatani epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata shows that the Saudi government actively promotes deradicalisation of Islam within its borders. Therefore, all these changes signal a move towards moderation and cultural openness.
However, they also pose a challenge to traditional religious norms that are a part of the general Islamic world! As a primary stakeholder in the representation of Muslims, Arabs are leaders of the Ummah. Thus, the recognition of a national identity separate from the Islamic identity may trigger a worldwide meltdown! Thus, the path ahead for the Saudis’ and its Prince is fraught with tensions. Let’s hope Bharat’s friend and a positive example of the Muslim nation, Saudi Arabia finds its foothold between tradition and modernity soon. Looking forward to Saudi’s version of a defanged, deradicalized Ummah!
The post Defanging Islamic Fundamentalism: Saudi Arabia Connects To Its Roots? appeared first on The Jaipur Dialogues.
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However, the Saudi’s departure from strict religious orthodoxy towards a more progressive and nationalist identity is Prince MBS’s way of defanging the rising radicalism in the religion. Let’s talk about how the Arabs are ready to be less exclusively Muslim! Are they embracing their roots?!
Ramadan Reforms To Reduce Islamic Fundamentalism
PC Time and Date
The 2023 Ramadan Reforms was the first of many changes constituted under Prince MBS’s rule. Islamic fundamentalism was hit big time by the Saudi government’s guidelines aimed at reforming traditional practices. Reports state that the following guidelines are applicable for 2024:
- Ban on prolonged prayers. Prayers are required to be kept brief.
- Cameras, if used in the mosque, should not take pictures of the imam or worshippers during prayers.
- Ban on financial donations collected for projects to feed people who are fasting.
- Ban on Iftar inside mosques. Ban on temporary rooms or tents to be set up for Iftar.
- No children are to be brought to the mosques as it will disturb the prayer session.
- All worshippers need to bring their IDs to do i’tikaf.
- Except in the main mosques of Mecca and Medina, the volume of loudspeakers is to be kept low.
- Ban on the broadcast of prayers.
These reforms are Saudi Arabia’s way of showing a new path of Islamic worship to the world. However, will these reforms be instituted in Bharat? No one knows.
Mahabharat and Ramayana in Saudi Schools!
As per Vision 2030, Prince MBS aims to promote a nationalist narrative and foster coexistence. As a step in the right direction, the Saudi government has integrated Indian culture into the curriculum. In April 2023, Sanatani epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata were introduced into Saudi Schools!
Bharat still suffers from nay-sayers who question not only the existence of Shri Ram but also his character. However, by opting to place Ramayana and Mahabharat in its curriculum, they are affirming the timeless lessons that Sanatni epics offer to the new generation. This shift towards tolerance and diversity in Saudi Arabia should shame the Indian liberals and ‘seculars’.
Resurgence of Ancient Deities and National Identity in Saudi Arabia
PC OpIndia
In November 2023, a social media movement began in this Arab nation. This popular movement advocates for the revival of ancient Arabian pre-Islamic deities. This phenomenon emerged around November 2023, coinciding with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s broader agenda to reshape Saudi Arabia’s national identity.
Consequently, social media users began promoting the Trinity of ancient Arabian goddesses – ‘Al-Lat’, ‘Manat’, and ‘Al-Uzza’. The worship of these goddesses was an integral part of the Arab historical and cultural heritage. Advocates of the resurgence ask for the preservation of this Arab heritage. These relics and practices showcase the national identity of the region. Moreover, it helps the people connect to their ancestral roots from before the takeover by Islamic fundamentalism in the region. Furthermore, the tourism potential of accepting and showcasing pre-Islamic deities and relics plays a large part in this movement.
2024 – Big Moves By Prince Mohammed Bin Salman
Saudi Arabia‘s journey towards deradicalization is met with resistance from its conservative elements. Case in point, external scrutiny and accusations of ideological dilution when non-Muslim Indian Union Minister Smriti Irani‘s visit to Medina in a Saree! Wahabi fundamentalists argue against the promotion of pre-Islamic relics.
PC News18
Despite the presence of detractors, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman continues to pave the way ahead for the nation. Recently, he passed the decision to serve liquor to non-Muslims in the nation. The first Saudi liquor shop and bar has opened its doors to visitors and non-Muslims. Liquor was banned for all in the nation for 70 years! But this did not stop Prince MBS from changing the rules! However, this radical change has sparked debates about the balance between religious values and modernization in the nation.
Points to Ponder
PC Responsible Statecraft
Saudi Arabia’s stance on Islamic fundamentalism is clear. Prince Mohammed Bin Salan wants nothing to do with it. The move to embrace pre-Islamic heritage reflects a commitment to societal transformation. Moreover, the acceptance of Sanatani epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata shows that the Saudi government actively promotes deradicalisation of Islam within its borders. Therefore, all these changes signal a move towards moderation and cultural openness.
However, they also pose a challenge to traditional religious norms that are a part of the general Islamic world! As a primary stakeholder in the representation of Muslims, Arabs are leaders of the Ummah. Thus, the recognition of a national identity separate from the Islamic identity may trigger a worldwide meltdown! Thus, the path ahead for the Saudis’ and its Prince is fraught with tensions. Let’s hope Bharat’s friend and a positive example of the Muslim nation, Saudi Arabia finds its foothold between tradition and modernity soon. Looking forward to Saudi’s version of a defanged, deradicalized Ummah!
The post Defanging Islamic Fundamentalism: Saudi Arabia Connects To Its Roots? appeared first on The Jaipur Dialogues.
Continue reading...