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Introduction: Hindu Population in Saudi Arabia
According to 2020 Demographics research by Pew Research Center USA, Followers of the Hindu religion form about 1.3% of the total population of Saudi Arabia [1. Religions in Saudi Arabia | PEW-GRF (globalreligiousfutures.org)]. This equals to around 451,347 Hindus residing in Saudi Arabia, most of whom are Indians and Nepalis. Despite this large number of Hindus residing in Saudi Arabia, there isn’t a Hindu Temple or ISKCON Temple or Shiv Mandir in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam or anywhere in Saudi Arabia where they can practice their Religion. Let’s dive into the reason why there isn’t any Hindu Temple in Saudi Arabia.
The Legal System of Saudi Arabia – Shariah Law
First and foremost, we must understand the legal system of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia Follows Islamic Shariah Rule.
Shariah Linguistically means “a path to a watering hole”. In Islamic usage, it means: The Islamic Religious Law revealed by Allāh (Almighty God), which governs all the affairs of society for the benefit of the people. It regulates business, banking, contracts, family, marriage, divorce, security, criminal law and many other affairs of society.
Shariah Law is based upon the Qur’ān and Sunnah (words and actions of Prophet Muhammed ﷺ), and judgements are made as per these two sources. [2. Abukhadeejah.com]
The Shariah Prohibits Polytheism & Idolatry
There is no Hindu Temple in Saudi Arabia, nor a Christian Church, neither a Sikh Gurudwara in Saudi Arabia primarily because of the following reasons from the Shariah Law
- The Islamic Shariah strictly prohibits Polytheism, worshipping other Gods Besides One Almighty God, Allah.
- The Islamic Shariah Prohibits practising Idolatry, which is to worship idols as though they were God.
- The Islamic Shariah Prohibits practising any Religion other than Islam.
Bringing Idols and to Saudi Arabia is Prohibited
Although there isn’t an explicit mention of Idols and Hindu God Images in the List of Prohibited Items, The Saudi Customs authority has prohibited bringing Christmas trees and Cross into the Kingdom. Through this, one can infer the Prohibition of carrying Idols and Hindu Gods Images into the Kingdom. [3. https://www.customs.gov.sa/en/general/prohibited-goods]
Celebrating Hindu Festivals is not Permitted in Saudi Arabia.
There are only two official Religious Festival that is celebrated in Saudi Arabia. They are Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr. Celebrating any other Religious festival is not allowed in Saudi Arabia, including Hindu Religious Festivals like Diwali, Chaturti, Onam, Ugadi and Christian festivals like Christmas and likes.
Can Hindus Enter Mosques in Saudi Arabia?
Hindus are allowed to enter Mosques in Saudi Arabia as long as they maintain proper attire, conduct themselves with respect, and there is an acceptable reason.
“There is nothing wrong with non-Muslims entering the mosque if it is for a legitimate Shar’i (Legislative) purpose or for an acceptable reason, such as listening to lessons or drinking water, and so on. The Prophet ﷺ let some non-Muslim delegations stay in his mosque so that they could see the people praying and listen to his recitation of the Qur’an and his sermons.”
[Majmoo ’al-Fataawa Ibn Baaz, Vol.: 8; pg. 357]
Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Hindus?
Saudi Arabia’s strict adherence to the Shariah law necessitates the provision of safe environments not only for Muslims but to people following any other religion than Islam. Unlike the common misconception, Saudi Arabia is an extremely safe country to travel to and work in for Hindus. They are unlikely to experience any incidents or inconveniences. As long as you adhere to the laws of the land and respect the Saudi culture, nobody will disrespect you or look down upon you for being a Hindu.
If you are looking for more resources to learn about the Shariah Law, Muslims and Religion in Saudi Arabia, Checkout the below recommendations for the Best Websites for Non-Muslims and Muslims to Take Knowledge from.
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