Practicing Hinduism In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a conservative traditional Islamic state with a theocratic monarchy

. The official religion in the country is Islam and the vast majority of the population practice the same religion.

Because of its economic boom as a result of the discovery of oil, a great number of immigrants have started to work in the country. With these new immigrants to the country, they bring along their customs, traditions and religion. Religious freedom though is not tolerated in Saudi Arabia as the Saudi government does not provide legal recognition or protection for freedom of religion. While the government guarantees and protects the right to private worship for all, including non-Muslims who practice their religion at home. This right of practice though is not always respected outside the home of the individual and is not defined by law. Furthermore, the public practice of non-Muslim religions is prohibited.

This is one of the major issues with Indians in Saudi Arabia. Because of the multitude of religions practiced by Indians, their practice is often frowned upon in Saudi Arabia. There have been many instances where the Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice or the Mutaween Police have arrested and broken up religious celebrations and practices of Indian expat workers in the country.

Currently, there are about 1.8 million Indians in Saudi Arabia. From this number, many expat Indians to the country practice either Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism or other religions. The practice of their individual religions though is curtailed as the country has declared the Koran and the Sunnah tradition of Mohamed as the Constitution of the country. The country practices strict and conservative Islam and discriminates other religions.

There are only two national holidays that are observed in the country, namely the Eid Al-Fits at the end of the Ramadan and the Eid Al-Adha at the conclusion of the Hajj. Being the caretakers of Islam's holiest site at Mecca makes the practice or even the sight of other religions abhorrent to the local authorities of the country.

Thus, the practice of other religions is considered a violation of the law of Islam. Indians who show any religious practice are subjected to arrest, imprisonment, lashing, deportation and even torture for violating the law of the Qu'ran. This practice though has been subject to criticism but the official line is the allowance of private worship of other religions in the country. This determination though of private worship is often arbitrarily practiced leading to many issues regarding personal security and freedom of individuals living in the country.

by: Bobby Castro

POST COMMENT

Notleuchten Knnen Leben Retten! New Nfl Nike Uniforms For 2012 How Do You Discourage Personal Work On Company Time? Rules You Should Follow When Taxing Your Car Sure Ways To Get Your Ex To Contact You After A Rough Breakup! How To Protect Grape Plants Against Damage Plumbing Alameda: With Proper Preparation Perform Temporary Fix How You Go About Using The Funds Classified Ads Andhra Manipur The Best Time To Visit Boston Places To Visit When In Boston, Massachusetts How Will Employment Tribunal Changes Affect You? Reasons Not To Use Standalone Hospital Clocks