When journalists ask officials in Saudi Arabic about the discrimination against Shiites in the country, they usually answers, “there is nothing in the law discriminates against them.” But what everybody else than the government can see is that there is a clear discrimination. In fact, I think it is even worse when the government applies some kind of unwritten law against such minority.
Here’s an example. This incident happened to a close friend of mine. My friend’s father owns a business in my hometown, Hassa. However, my friend is the one who practically runs the business. He is very ambitious, and he has some big dreams. One of his dreams was to expand their business by starting a factory to manufacture machines directly related to their original products.
He has a plan, he has resources, and based on the government’s claims of encouraging new industries in the country, he decided to start the first step in the project which is getting the required permissions of the ministry of agriculture. He made the required papers, and sent them to the ministry’s branch in the city. After few days, the ministry called him to come to their offices in order to receive the reply.
When he went there, the official told him that his project did not get the required permission. My friend, unpleasantly surprised, asked about the reasons of rejection. The official said, “you know, your name does not qualify.” (الاسم ما يأهل) An expression that simply means, “you are not allowed because you are Shiite.”
My friend was so depressed that he called me to discuss migration to Canada! I felt so sorry for him, but also felt so angry on this behaviour by the government. The government does not allow Shiites to own large businesses, to become ministers, or even to become principals of elementary schools, and they shamelessly deny any kind of discrimination!
Saudi Jeans 
That’s just wrong. Let’s face it. Shiites are muslims. So, if the Saudi government says that it is following the true Islam, then how on earth do you allow yourself to descriminate other muslims? I bet if his name was Dave or Robert, they would have welcomed him, and maybe even gave him a tax free permission to open whatever business they like. The Saudi government says it represents Islam, but it doesn’t not…
Well that’s human nature for you. I’m sure if the Shiites were open, things won’t be too different. I mean it’s natrual to favor people that you relate to.
I’m not saying it’s okay, I’m just saying it’s typical.
it may be natural for a man to do so, but not a government…
Sandmonkey has been blogging lately about discrimination against Christians in Egypt.
As an American raised in the south that was incredibly racist in my childhood, one of the things I learned is that if someone feels discriminated against…they most likely are…The most important thing is to listen…and listen…and listen…and listen..
nut that means you have to give them a voice and forum to say things that are painful again and again…
Its hard….
excuse me,,,’but’ not ‘nut’.
That’s just sad. Does the saudi media ever even portray Saudi Arabia as a nation that can possibly have minorities like shias? When living in saudi, i didn’t even know there were shias around.. i thought there are NO saudi shias.
Just wondering if you guys have a leader/imam that represents shias in the country?
The government hardly admit Shittes even exist, while Shittes represnt more than 10% of the population. Shittes have been talking with Crown Prince Abdullah lately, and he has been understanding. But the government as a whole seem they don’t want to listen.
I think there are discriminations against Shiites, Christians and other minorities as well, like the Ahmediyas. I also find one too many people not getting a job, simply because they were of a different faith. Its sad, but the reality.
M
The government has made its share of mistakes in the past. But I’m optimistic (yes, for the very first time in my life) and hopeful that they’re finally trying to put a stop to it. Just two weeks ago a governmental loyalist who works for the Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz did one of the bravest moves in Saudi history, he called on behalf of the prince, an influential Shiite Sheikh, in gratitude of his patriotism and his calling for loyalty to Al-Saud. This may be a faint, tiny step, but it’s a start. (though the prince did not care to call him himself, or allow a letter signed by him to be sent to the sheikh) I’m still hopeful.
Also, I believe the awareness they’re beginning to raise about the school curricula and teachers is a major step. I’m so glad that they’re finally being changed. I’m glad many writers are beginning to question them. I’ve made many mistakes in the past regarding Shiites only because I was a young one influenced by what my deen teacher told me at school. I even hurt one of the dearest friends to me.
I pray we at least begin to evolve, so as to make sure that the mistakes I’ve made are not made over and over again.
-Farooha
(ps: Zied, Islam to the Saudi Arabian government is for pure political purposes. Don’t be fooled)
Nadia, yes there is. I remember bits and pieces of his name, I’ll check and get back to you.
One of the first Saudi families I met when I first became a Muslim was a Saudi shi’i family. Believe you me, they’re discriminated against big time. Even with several post grad degrees, the husband to this day can only get a job as a bank teller. That’s a sorry situation.
His name is Hassan Al- Saffar,he is one of the best. I like reading what he has to say every once in a while, and no to all those of you out there who are wondering, I’m not a shiite.
His homepage, http://www.saffar.org
Today I was reading an article in AlDostoor newspaper about how Shiites are also unofficially descriminated against in Egypt. All in fear of Irani influence, I beleive; just as in Saudia. Estimations of Shiites’ numbers in Egypt reach up to 6% of the population (not of Muslims only).
Corelating some personal and family facts together, it occured to me for the first time that I may have Shiite ancestry, although I don’t classify myself as Sunni in the first place…more on that later.. maybe.
AlSaffar..hmmm.that’s a typical Khaliji Shiitie name, which are usually associated with manual works and crafts. Isn’t this so?
hiI i’m a used car dealer in usa.some one owe me money in saudi arabia .any advise what should i do.i ship that paerson 20 cars.after receving the car now refuse to pay.any help will be a big deel for me. thankyou so much. sohailghani@cox.net
soahil
I am an American, and in no way am I an expert on this subject, but I am deeply upset that there is discrimination against people of different faith in this “modern”, “civilized” world. However, I applaud you for taking a stand and trying to change what you see as wrong. Change is built on the shoulders of people who stand up. Just talking about something invites change.
Well interesting statements from people here but for those who understand islaam and know who the Prophet(peace be upon him) was and his family and companions then you would know that shi’as themselves don’t like sunni’s and the western countries who invade other countries and are killing the muslims those whom they are killing are the sunni’s not shi’as sunni’s and the sunni’s are there by the side of the American’s or Brit’s aiding them to kill them off. Read your politics and know the truth since you are all on this political stuff about shi’as not getting their rights. Discirmination is everywhere America, Europe, Canada etc.. against blakc, latin, asians. etc. So please with the methodology that the shi’as have they should not be worried about getting status in Saudi but they should worry about their status in the Hereafter.
Correct above in my statement:
*I meant that the shi’as are by the American’s and Brits’ sides killing off the sunni’s.