I confess to having been largely ignorant about certain facets of the culture and religion of the Arab world. That is one of the main reasons I wanted to visit this area of the world. On the Saudi Arabia tour I learned a lot and then researched a few key concepts to help me understand. In particular I wanted to know about the Five Pillars of Islam; the difference between Sunni and Shia and which country was which; and a short history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, so here's what I found:
The Five Pillars of Islam are the core obligatory acts of worship that define Muslim life, faith, and practice, based on the hadith of Gabriel. They include the declaration of faith (Shahada), daily prayer (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). These actions serve as the foundation of Muslim faith.
1. Shahada (Profession of Faith): The belief and recitation that "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God".
2. Salah (Prayer): Performing ritual prayers five times a day (dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after dark) while facing Mecca.
3. Zakat (Almsgiving): The practice of charitable giving, usually 2.5% of a Muslim's accumulated wealth, to help those in need.
4. Sawm (Fasting): Fasting from dawn until dusk during the holy month of Ramadan to practice self-restraint and spiritual reflection.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which is required at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.
These five acts form the framework for a Muslim's life, helping them to maintain a strong connection with Allah.
Sunni or Shia
Most Arab countries are predominantly Sunni, with significant Shia populations concentrated in specific Gulf and Levant (eastern i.e. Asian) nations. Iraq and Bahrain have Shia majorities, while Lebanon and Yemen have substantial, influential, or pluralistic Shia, specifically Zaydi, populations.
Predominantly Sunni Arab Countries:
North Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco.
Levant & Peninsula: Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Palestine, Kuwait, Oman (note: Oman is majorly Ibadi, which is distinct from both).
Other: Syria (majority Sunni, though ruled by a Shiite-offshoot Alawite minority).
Arab Countries with Shia Majorities or Large Populations:
Iraq: Significant Shia majority (60-70%).
Bahrain: Shia majority population (65-70%) ruled by a Sunni monarchy.
Lebanon: Large, influential Shia community (30-35%), often in a complex, mixed sectarian system.
Yemen: Significant population of Zaydi Shia (approx. 35-45%).
Saudi Arabia: Significant minority (10-15%), mostly in the Eastern Province.
Key Notes:
While not an Arab country, Iran is the center of Shi'ism in the region.
Syria has a majority Sunni population but is governed by an Alawite-led government, often aligned with Shia interests.
Oman is a unique case where the majority of the population follows Ibadi Islam.
Sizable, smaller Shia communities also exist in Kuwait, UAE and Qatar.
The primary difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims lies in the historical disagreement over the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad, evolving into distinct theological, legal, and political traditions. Sunnis (~85-90%) believe in choosing the leader by community consensus, while Shias (~10-15%) believe leadership was ordained to remain within the Prophet's family, starting with Ali.
Both branches share the core tenets of Islam: belief in Allah as the one God, the Quran as the holy book, and the prophet-hood of Muhammad and practise the Five Pillars of Islam.
The history of the Saudi State spans three main eras, beginning in 1727 with the First Saudi State (1727-1818) led by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in the city of Diriyah, which united the tribes of central Arabia establishing security and enforcing Islamic Law. After its destruction by the Ottoman forces, the Second Saudi State (1824-1891) was established in Riyadh led by Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud, who reestablished rule with Riyadh as the capital. It maintained similar religious and administrative foundations as the first state. Internal conflicts and power struggles with the Al Rashid family led to its collapse. The modern Third Saudi State (1902-present) was founded by Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman al-Saud (Ibn Saud) who captured Riyadh in 1902. He unified Nejd, Hasa and Hejaz, establishing the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. The state grew from a regional emirate into a major power, particularly after the discovery of oil, and is now governed by the son of Ibn Saud, the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (nicknamed MbS). He was made the Crown Prince in 2015 at age 29. Saudi Arabia is a unitary absolute monarchy, along traditional Islamist lines, where the King is both the head of the state and the government. The prime minister of Saudi Arabia is the chairman of the Council of Ministers and the head of government of the Kingdom. The office is traditionally held by either the king of Saudi Arabia or the crown prince. Since September 27, 2022, the position has been held by Mohammad bin Salman.
