The Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Muhammad al-‘Issa, was appointed to lead the main prayer at the annual pilgrimage, arousing the indignation of the Islamists. Who is al-‘Issa and why is he so controversial?
Mohammed bin Salman’s recent statements suggest that Saudi Arabia could move towards a post-Wahhabi era characterised by limited application of Sharia law and reform of the Saudi judicial system
In Saudi Arabia, some women have exploited sex segregation to assume positions as religious leaders. However, their role remains ambiguous: on the one hand, they guarantee a female presence in the public space; on the other, they are spokespersons for the Wahhabi establishment.
The spread of Coronavirus and the collapse of the oil market are straining the Saudi economy and Muhammad bin Salman’s projects. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is in danger of definitively sinking as austerity policies threaten the social contract.
Founded on a rigid understanding of monotheism, Wahhabism has come to terms with political power over the centuries, but has not renounced its main tenets
The balance of power in the Middle East has been challenged by new dynamics in the Persian Gulf, notably Muhammad bin Salman’s struggle to reshape the region and the resistance of Qatar
While striving together to defeat the Houthi rebels, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are vying for influence over Yemen’s future
In his reformist vision, Muhammad Bin Salman is promising to return to the “moderation” that preceded 1979. It is definitely too soon to talk about the Kingdom’s de-Wahhabization, however: its ulama have always been masters at adapting to change
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