Concerns about religion in Saudi Arabia

Hi Sally

Saudi Arabia is a very Islamic country, you are correct and in public places it is the only religion.  There are no places of worship other than Mosques.  However there is a large expat community of many faiths here so it is not that other religions are not allowed.  There are gatherings of like minded people take place in private locations and the consulates do hold services.

I understand you are allowed to bring 1 copy of the bible in for personal use - I suggest you bring it in your hand luggage as it is less likely to be checked and so less likley to causwe a problem

I hope this helps

David

Hi Sally

David is right in saying there are no other religious venues other than mosques. Most Christians meet behind closed doors in their compounds or embassies, so you still are able to practice your religion in private. We've recently added a new article about this, so to read more about this, have a look at our Religion and Worship in Saudi Arabia page.

Catherine

Hello Sally, you are free to practice ur religion as long as it is indoors. if you happen to be moving to the eastern province area, there is a church in ARAMCO, for which you will need access.

And guess what. You can make extra effort to learn about Islam as it should be and free of all the bias we are fed in the West. Making effort to know about Islam does not force you to be a Muslim. But you become info-armed and reduce the number of Islam factless person in today's global village. For example you can learn that Muslims - over 1 billion of them- are not Muslims unless they believe in the message of Jesus Christ, his miraculous birth by the virgin Mary as well as his miracles. They believe in this without being Muslims. You will also have the opportunity to meet several Muslim converts from the West who can share their experiences with you. How they came to understand Islam as is, accepted it by making the shahada (bearing witness). This last word means saying Ash-hadu anlaa ilaha ilalla wa ash-hadu anna muhammadan rasulullah I bear witness that that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger. You become info-armed for your true benefit and that of mankind. Do have a nice time Akan