The Basic Law of Saudi Arabia (alternative name: Basic System of Governance; Arabic: النظام الأساسي للحكم, Al Nizam Al Asasi lil Hukm) is a constitution-like charter divided into nine chapters, consisting of 83 articles.[1]
The Basic Law (in Article One) states that the constitution of Saudi Arabia is "the Holy Qur'an, and the Sunna (Traditions)" of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. However, the Basic Law contains many characteristics of what might be called a constitution in other countries ("The Law of Governance", "Rights and Duties"). The Basic Law is in accordance with a Wahhabi understanding of Islamic law.[2]
We, Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, consistent with the public interest, and in view with the development of the State in different fields, in addition to our enthusiasm to achieve our prospected objectives, we ordered the following:
First: Issue the Basic System of Governance according to the context herein below.
Second: Act in accordance with all the systems, orders, and resolutions that are currently adopted, until they are amended pursuant to the Basic System of Governance.
Third: The Basic System of Governance shall be published in the official journal and shall be enforceable as of the date of its publication.[5]
The Consultative Council also came to life about a year after in the light of the emerging conditions affecting the country after the war.[citation needed]
Saudi cultural and religious views stigmatize any reference to "Constitution" other than the Qur'an and the practice of Muhammad. Article 1 of the Basic Law emphasize that "God's Book (Qur'an) and the Sunna of his Prophet (Muhammad), are its (Saudi Arabia) constitution".[6] Prince Talal bin Abdul Aziz said that there cannot be "a constitution, a regulation, or a law that runs counter to the Islamic Sharia" in Saudi Arabia.[7]
Article 1 states that "God's Book and the Sunna of His Prophet" are the country's constitution and Arabic is the official language with the capital at Riyadh.
Article 27 establishes a "system of social security"; It has become feasible without expropriation and high taxes due to the large supplies of oil and a population of 33 million people. Article 39 requires all media outlets to conform to "the state's regulations," and explicitly forbids any act that "foster(s) sedition or division," which is often cited in censorship cases.
Article 45 affirms that religious rulings must be in accordance with the "Holy Qur'an and the Prophet's Sunna." To this end, a panel of Islamic clergy and research group shall be established.
According to Article 55, the king must "rule according to the traditions of Islam and shall supervise the application of Sharia." Article 56 states that the king is also the prime minister. Article 57 makes it clear that the king's cabinet and other lower-ranking officials must follow Islam. Those who deviate from this can be dismissed or punished.
Military
Articles 60–62: The king is the commander-in-chief and is endowed with powers concerning war and the national security of the country
Article 71 specifies that revenue is entered and spent according to rules of statutes which will be published regularly in the Official Gazette per Article 70.
Article 79–80 concerns control bodies. Control bodies will be established to ensure good financial and administrative management of state assets.[8][9]
In the eighteenth century Muhammad bin Saud and Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab integrated all the political and religious institutions into one governing body.[11] The government of Saudi Arabia reserves numerous jobs for the clergy that range from preaching to judgeships.
The Basic Law makes no mention of women; Amnesty International write in their 2000 report on Saudi Arabia:
Discussion of discrimination against women and their status as second class citizens has for a long time been a taboo, untouchable even by the highest of state authorities in the country despite all the misery and suffering of women for no reason other than their having been born female.[13]
^Tschentscher, Axel. "Saudi Arabia > Constitution". International Constitutional Law (ICL) Project. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
^"Archived copy"(PDF). Archived(PDF) from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2015.((cite web)): CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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