The Contrast Between Islam in Saudi Arabia and the Ottoman Empire

The religions and practices of Islam in Saudi Arabia and the Ottoman Empire were vastly different, shaped by the political landscapes and social contexts in which they existed. In Saudi Arabia, a strict adherence to Wahabbi ideology has allowed rulers to assert their absolute control over the populace. This control manifests in various ways, including the treatment of women and the authority over religious texts. In contrast, the Ottoman Empire, often referred to as the “old” Ottoman Empire, was characterized by a more secular approach to governance, where religious practices were more diverse and women enjoyed more rights than in modern Saudi Arabia.

The Role of Religion in Ottoman Society

Unlike modern Saudi Arabia, the old Ottoman Empire had a more secular structure, despite the state religion. Religion was not as politically dominant as in many other regions, including parts of Europe during the same period. The rulers of the Ottoman Empire maintained the role of religion in society without exerting the same level of control inherent in the contemporary Saudi system. This allowed for a greater degree of tolerance towards different faiths and religious practices. Consequently, many religious minorities held positions of influence within the empire, similar to the coexistence of the Catholic Church and Protestantism in Western Europe during the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment.

The Wahabbi Ideology in Saudi Arabia

Wahabbi ideology, which is a strict form of Sunni Islam, has been imposed by the rulers of Saudi Arabia. This has led to significant changes in the practice of Islam within the country. The Quran is interpreted and translated in a way that aligns with Wahabbi principles, giving the rulers the ultimate authority over religious matters. This strict interpretation of Islam has had profound effects on everyday life in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding the role of women. In Saudi Arabian society, women are often treated as second-class citizens, with limited access to education, employment, and public life. This stark contrast with the more open and inclusive atmosphere that existed in the Ottoman Empire is noteworthy.

Women in the Ottoman and Modern Saudi Societies

Historically, women in the Ottoman Empire enjoyed a degree of freedom and societal recognition that is not present in modern Saudi Arabia. Women were often involved in public life, held prominent positions, and had more educational and social opportunities compared to their counterparts in modern Saudi Arabia. This difference is perhaps best understood by considering the lifestyles of the two societies. The Ottoman Empire was a more open and complex society, where religion and culture intermingled in a way that reflected a broader spectrum of human experience. In contrast, modern Saudi Arabia still operates under a more rigid and patriarchal system, influenced by the strict Wahabbi ideology.

While both societies have different historical contexts, the seclusion of women in modern Saudi Arabia stands in stark contrast to the more liberal and inclusive nature of Ottoman society. The Ottoman Empire, despite its own imperfections, was more progressive in its approach to women's rights and public participation. Today, the portrayal of life in the Ottoman era often paints a more glamorous and sophisticated picture of what life could have been like, with women being more integrated into the fabric of society.

Conclusion

While the old Ottoman Empire and modern Saudi Arabia both practiced Islam, the systems of governance and social structures were fundamentally different. The Ottoman Empire was characterized by a more secular approach, where religion played a supportive role in society rather than dominating it. In contrast, Saudi Arabia is governed by strict Wahabbi principles, leading to a highly controlled and conservative society, particularly in terms of gender roles and religious practices.

The transition between these two eras highlights the evolution of Islamic practice and governance, offering valuable insights into the complexities of religious and cultural norms.