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Religion

Islam in Saudi Arabia

Islam is the state religion of Saudi Arabia, home to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah and the destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

By Editorial Desk Edited by Site Administrator Updated

Overview

Islam is the state religion of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom contains the two holiest cities of Islam, Makkah and Madinah. The Qur'an and the Sunnah are declared to be the constitution of the state.

The Two Holy Mosques

The Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, which contains the Kaaba, and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah are the two holiest sites of Islam. The Saudi monarch holds the title Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Pilgrimage

Millions of Muslims travel to Makkah each year for the Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, and for the lesser pilgrimage, the Umrah. The Kingdom invests heavily in the infrastructure that supports the pilgrimage.

Public life

Islam shapes public life in the Kingdom, and religious institutions play an important role in education, law and society. The Council of Senior Scholars advises the government on religious matters.

References

  1. Islam in Saudi Arabia \u2014 Encyclopaedia Britannica (accessed 5 October 2026)
  2. The Two Holy Mosques \u2014 Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (accessed 5 October 2026)

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The Hajj Pilgrimage

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The Two Holy Mosques

The Two Holy Mosques are Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, the holiest sites of…