Puritan Interpretation of Islam
Wahhabism is a version of Islam practiced by Saudi Arabians; this sect of faith came from and was named for Mohamed Abd al-Wahhab. A very conservative doctrine, Wahhabism urges its practitioners to return to and observe the true foundations of Islam. There are parallels between Wahhabism and certain branches of Christianity that may be found in the Puritan movement, which both emphasize traditional interpretations and practices of their doctrine. The Saudi legal and educational systems are governed by these practices. In addition, Wahhabism dictates social interactions, including the role of the elderly and position of women in Saudi society. In general terms, this version of Islam encourages peacefulness;
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There is an emphasis placed on religious teachings instead of advancing citizens in learning marketable skills that could be used in the workforce. Without a doubt, the area with the greatest challenges is in the legal system known to be ultra conservative in its practices. Once again, foreign investors and various stakeholders potentially interested in doing business could shy away from doing business with Saudi Arabia because they aren’t familiar or comfortable with the cultural and religious norms associated with Wahhabism.
Most Wahhabi thinkers are solely interested in Islam and the Arab world around them. Technology and science are not areas of concern for them and they choose not to devote time to dealing with these subjects and their inherent challenges and opportunities that could come to the country through their development. Even birth rates and population control have been of less concern of late. These are essential areas that should be given significant attention in the plans for development and modernization of the economy, instead of being
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The government felt obligated to help their Muslim brethren and often had full support from scholars and clerics who would grant their seal of approval on these types of religious based actions. The government sometimes used zakah, collection money taken at mosques traditionally used to help the poor, to purchase weapons for the Palestinian conflict in 1968. Violent conflict was considered a charitable activity when it came to fighting enemies of God, which is what they considered to be happening with their Muslim colleagues in Palestine. Saudi Arabia became preoccupied with conflict across the region instead of focusing on its own economic issues. For that reason, religion has an extremely significant influence and impact on the economic priorities and structures within the