Aspects Of The Relationship Between Religious and Political Leadership During the Era Of King Abdulaziz

Abstract

This research discusses the manifestations of the relationship between religious and political leadership during the reign of King Abdulaziz in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The introduction highlights the historical connection between the imams and kings of Saudi Arabia on one side and religious scholars on the other, dating back to the establishment of the First Saudi State following the Diriyah Agreement between Imam Muhammad bin Saud and Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdulwahhab in 1157 AH / 1744 AD. This agreement laid the foundation for the new state based on Islamic governance and Sharia law.

The cooperation between rulers and scholars continued throughout the three phases of the Saudi state. However, this research focuses specifically on the era of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Third Saudi State (1319 AH / 1902 AD – 1373 AH / 1953 AD)

The study examines various aspects of this relationship and presents examples illustrating the King’s consultation with scholars on military matters, including the advance into Hejaz, as well as security issues. One such example is a letter from the King to Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdulatif and several scholars, seeking their opinion on an incident where a military unit attacked Yemeni pilgrims and seized their belongings. The King requested the scholars to determine the appropriate Sharia ruling on the matter.

Additionally, the research discusses instances where scholars objected to certain royal regulations, such as the King’s decision to fix exchange rates, which they argued was contrary to Islamic law. It also highlights religious edicts directed at the King regarding issues like the status of Hamza Mosque, existing laws in Hejaz, the entry of Egyptian pilgrims carrying weapons and ceremonial caravans, and the prohibition of levies (makous) under Islamic law. A key point emphasized in the study is that scholars would issue religious rulings (fatwas) declaring certain policies impermissible, and in most cases, the King would accept their guidance. In rare instances where he disagreed, particularly on issues with scholarly differences of opinion, they refrained from opposing him or rebelling against his rule.

This dynamic was evident in the scholars’ stance during the Ikhwan Revolt, when they firmly supported the King and wrote to the rebels, advising them against defying the ruler and warning them about the prohibition of rebellion. The scholars maintained this position until King Abdulaziz successfully quelled the uprising.

Following the unification of the country, King Abdulaziz continued to seek the advice of religious scholars on most matters, consulting them on Islamic rulings to ensure that governance remained aligned with Sharia law.