33

The Saudi political system is based on a partnership established in the 18th century between the princes and the ulemas adhering to so-called “Wahhabi” Islam. The religious legitimacy of the reigning family depends on its preservation. Yet, in the second half of the 20th century, unprecedented tensions appeared between the princes and ulemas, coming from a new generation of oppositional clerics. These tensions have undermined the power of the reigning family, despite their efforts to “depoliticize” Saudi Islam.