Saudi Arabia and Alcohol: The New Norm?

Editor’s Note: This article reflects the opinions of the author alone, and not necessarily of TMV.

Saudi Arabia’s new law allowing alcohol in the country for non-Muslim diplomats in the capital Riyadh is an unfortunate step the Saudi government is taking to open a door for Islamic taboos.

The decision of allowing alcohol can be seen as abandoning Islamic rule and millions of Muslims. For many years, the Saudi Kingdom was being considered as the servant of the holiest place of Muslims – Makkah – which is home to the Islamic sites of the Kaaba and the Great Mosque.

Such a law can define the Kingdom’s leniency toward the Western liberalism to infiltrate both Islamic society and the most significant place for Muslims. The obligation of protecting the Holy site of Kaaba has been laid on the Kingdom’s shoulder, and by shifting its path, Muslims should be worried about the Kingdom’s loyalty.

Seemingly, the Kingdom is swaying away from being the only servant of the Holy place of Makkah. The law of allowing alcohol in Saudi Arabia shows the interest of the Kingdom in attracting the foreigners through such laws and dismisses the Islamic law, which must be placed ahead of other interests.

Western liberals have immediately expressed their contentment and hope for more changes in the country. Obviously, by implementing this new law to allow alcohol, Saudi Arabia is jeopardizing the Holiness of Islamic sites, and also violating the Islamic law which prohibits alcohol, including its trade. 

There is no space for Islam to be compromised by any means, and the Saudi Kingdom carries the responsibility of keeping a fence between the Western liberalism and the Islamic law in the country. Evidently, allowing alcohol for non-Muslim diplomats is only serving political interests for the Saudis and dismisses the rest of the dedicated Muslims. 

It is not hidden that the strategy of the Western liberalism is to export its agenda to the Muslim world. The West has successfully been able to influence many areas in the Middle East and Muslim nations. However, the misconception between the Western style of freedom and its advanced technology and the way of life and Islam has created confusion in Muslim society.

With the same strategy that influenced Christianity in many aspects, the West attempts to influence Islam and bring in the Western definition of freedom. The law allowing alcohol in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is an indication that the Saudi government is open to more Westernization in the country.

However, at the time that people are free in embracing any belief or religion, as a home of the Holy City of Mecca, Saudi Arabia should remain free from those things that are taboos in Islam, including alcohol.

The Saudi government has the obligation to set a red zone for non-Muslims in order to respect the Islamic culture and follow the rules. But it is a disappointment that the Saudi Kingdom itself is paving the path and providing alcohol for non-Muslims. Regardless of the status of non-Muslims in the country, the Saudi government should not have allowed alcohol in Saudi Arabia.

What is next in the Muslim world?

Western liberalism attempts to convert Islamic society through the so-called human rights agenda. The strategy of liberalism in the West has successfully influenced Christianity and is growing among the younger generation. Such a wave is prevalent in society and can be observed in Churches and educational institutions. Obviously, it is the same wave that is pervasively growing in Middle Eastern society. 

It is necessary for Muslims to recognize the danger of growing liberalism in society, and understand the similarity between dictatorship and liberalism. Obviously, both are contributing to cultural destruction.