Structural changes in the Saudi Clerical corps during the modernisation period (1953-1992)

The article analyses structural changes in the Saudi clerical corps (the ulama). Transformational processes within the Saudi society have gained considerable attention among both Russian and foreign researches. Structural changes among the ulama in 1953–1992 were covered mostly by the English-speaking scholars in terms of the king-the ulama relationships. This approach ignores internal factors without revealing the nature of process of the structural transformation. The re-building of the structure was caused by process of bureaucratization of the country’s administrative apparatus. In 1953–1969 the ulama constituted an autonomous group within the administrative system, guided by the Grand Mufti who at the same time held the rank of the Chief Qadi. The kingdom’s religious institutions were unable to perform their functions properly which caused creation of the modern religious institutes in the 1970-s. The further re-building of the corps lasted from 1970 until 1992. In 1970–1975 a backbone of the new structure was formed while the structure itself obtained a dispersed shape thus making the king de facto head of the clergy. The transformation strictly corresponded unbuilding of old ministries and creation of new ones which aim was to enhance effectiveness of the administrative system. In 1992 both of them obtained a legal shape. As a result, the ulama have turned into state-officials at the same time saving their clerical status. Thus, the evolution of the governance system, the need to improve the work of religious institutions and to deter the ulama’s ambition to become independent political power capable to compete the king determined the structural changes.