The Shoura Council

Government

Holy Places

Tourism

The basic directives issued by King Abdul Aziz Al Saud when he founded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stipulated that the State is based on Shoura (Consultation). "Al Shoura" means that the chief executive (the person charged with authority in Islam) should sound out the views of his subjects, particularly the scholars and wise men, when running the affairs of Moslems. His final decision, taken after weighing these various views, is sure to be acceptable to his subjects. Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, applied Shoura throughout his life. In many cases the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, followed the advice of his companions in preference to his own opinion. Al Shoura has been applied throughout Islamic history. Therefore, Al-Shoura is similar to the democratic, parliamentary system in the West, although it is a pure Islamic form. King Abdul Aziz applied Shoura from the very founding of the Kingdom, forming the Shoura Council, whose decisions were implemented after the King's approval. Moreover, King Abdul Aziz would issue statements and pamphlets addressed directly to the citizens, urging them to submit any suggestions they may have and stating his readiness to receive them in audience and listen to their views. His sons, the Kings Saud, Faisal, Khaled and Fahd followed the same policy.