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Saudi Arabia is regarded to be the birthplace of Islam and Islam in Saudi Arabia is the most common religion practiced by 96% of the total population. Islam in Saudi Arabia is mainly practiced by the Sunni sect of Muslims. The Wahabi groups of the Sunni Muslims have played an important role in determining the religious customs and practices of the Saudi Arabian people. Wahabists are staunch followers of the Hanbali School of Islamic jurisprudence and the sect has been named after Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahab.
Saudi Arabia has occupied a prominent position in the Islamic world for it is the home of Mecca and Medina, the two most sacred destinations of the Muslims. Mecca is the birth place of Prophet Muhammad and Medina is the burial place of the Prophet.
The dedication of Saudi Arabia towards Islam is clearly depicted in its preservation and maintenance of these two holy sites. The government takes special care towards the fact that each year more and more Muslim pilgrims can perform the Hajj. Every year some amount of the government’s fund is dedicated towards providing better accommodation, dining and medical facilities to the Hajj pilgrims.
King Fahd bin Abdulaziz even adopted the official title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to show his deep respect towards Islam.
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