15.4 Saudi Arabia:
Monarchy and Sharia
Saudi Arabia is a theocracy and provides one of the clearest examples of a modern state where Islam and governance are closely connected.
It is an absolute monarchy, which means the ruling royal family holds most of the political power, and there is no elected national body that can make laws on its own.
The Qur’an and the Sunnah (the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) are considered the foundation of the state. According to Article 1 of the 1992 Basic Law of Governance, Saudi Arabia does not have a conventional constitution but bases its system on Sharia (Islamic law).
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At the top of the system is the King, who typically serves as both head of state and head of government. The King has final authority over legislation, national policy, and foreign affairs.
As of 2026, the King of Saudi Arabia is Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (age 90). He ascended to the throne on January 23, 2015, following the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah.
The Crown Prince is Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, often referred to as MBS (age 40). MBS was also named Prime Minister in 2022.
While the King is the ultimate authority, MBS is currently the head of government.
In recent news, MBS has been overseeing large-scale economic and social reforms, often referred to as Vision 2030, which aim to diversify the economy and expand Saudi Arabia’s global engagement.
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Saudi Arabia’s legal system is rooted in Sharia, particularly in areas such as family law, inheritance, and aspects of criminal law.
While Sharia is superior, the government also issues regulations (statutory laws) for modern issues (e.g., traffic, banking) that must not conflict with Sharia.
Historically, the country did not rely on fully codified legal codes in the way many modern states do. Fully codified legal codes are laws that are written down in a clear and organized system so that judges and citizens can easily understand and apply them.
This means that historically judges, trained in Islamic jurisprudence, interpreted religious texts and legal traditions when making decisions.
In recent years, especially under Vision 2030, the Saudi Arabian government has begun codifying laws, including areas such as personal status, evidence, and civil transactions. While Sharia remains the underlying source, these written laws provide more standardized guidance and make legal outcomes more predictable.
The codification of laws reflects a significant shift from a system based on individual judicial interpretation to a more structured role in applying the law.
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Saudi Arabia does not have an elected parliament or congress. Instead, it has a Consultative Assembly, known as the Shura Council.
The council consists of 150 members appointed by the King, including both men (~120) and women (~30). Its role is to review policies, propose legislation, and advise the government.
However, the Shura Council does not have independent lawmaking authority. Final decisions remain with the King and the executive leadership, often issued through royal decrees.
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Saudi Arabia’s religious police, known as the Mutaween or the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, are tasked with enforcing strict Islamic codes of behavior in public spaces.
Historically, they patrolled streets and malls, with the authority to detain individuals. However, as of April 2016, under Vision 2030, a royal decree stripped them of the power to chase, interrogate, or arrest citizens, requiring them to report violations to regular police.
At the same time, the country has expanded areas such as entertainment, tourism, and public life.
These changes reflect a broader shift in how the state balances religious tradition with economic development and global engagement.
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Saudi Arabia’s system can be understood as one where:
- Islamic law remains a central foundation
- Political authority is highly centralized
- The state plays an increasing role in defining how laws are applied
Rather than separating religion and government, the system integrates them, while also evolving in response to modern economic and political goals.
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Saudi Arabia shows how a government can maintain a strong connection to Sharia while also adapting its legal system and public policies over time.
It represents one model of how Islam and political authority can be combined in the modern world.
In section 15.5, we will look at the government structure of a second Muslim-majority country: Iran.