Governments cannot merely will society into existence through authoritarianism; hence, they require a minimum of foundational and functional legitimacy. Among Middle Eastern countries, the Saudi Arabian government, in addition to benefiting from functional legitimacy—including providing welfare and relative security—still draws upon sources of foundational legitimacy. This article examines how Saudi Arabia utilizes religious-traditional sources of legitimacy. Based on the findings of this article, the ideas of Wali al-Amr (the Ruler), Shura (consultation), Bay'ah (allegiance), and Istīlā' (usurpation/control) continue to construct the foundations of Saudi Arabia's religious-traditional legitimacy. However, the concepts of Wali al-Amr and Istīlā' play a double-edged sword role. This means that from the perspective of some opponents, including Al-Masa'ri, applying the conditions of Wali al-Amr to the rulers of Saudi Arabia is very difficult. This group of opponents also considers Bay'ah, meaning popular endorsement, a necessary condition. Furthermore, expanding the circle of consulted groups and spectra could increase the Saudi government's legitimacy. However, the theory of Istīlā' gives opposing groups the license to struggle against the Saudi government. Nevertheless, a modern reading of these sources of legitimacy could further strengthen the foundations of the Saudi Arabian government.
Hashemi,M A and Tavana,,M A . (2026). Religious-Traditional Roles in Legitimizing Governance in Saudi Arabia. (e20633). Political Strategic Studies, (), e20633 doi: 10.22054/qpss.2026.88706.3684
MLA
Hashemi,M A , and Tavana,M A . "Religious-Traditional Roles in Legitimizing Governance in Saudi Arabia" .e20633 , Political Strategic Studies, , , 2026, e20633. doi: 10.22054/qpss.2026.88706.3684
HARVARD
Hashemi M A, Tavana, M A. (2026). 'Religious-Traditional Roles in Legitimizing Governance in Saudi Arabia', Political Strategic Studies, (), e20633. doi: 10.22054/qpss.2026.88706.3684
CHICAGO
M A Hashemi and M A Tavana,, "Religious-Traditional Roles in Legitimizing Governance in Saudi Arabia," Political Strategic Studies, (2026): e20633, doi: 10.22054/qpss.2026.88706.3684
VANCOUVER
Hashemi M A, Tavana, M A. Religious-Traditional Roles in Legitimizing Governance in Saudi Arabia. Political Strategic Studies. 2026;():e20633 (In Persian). doi: 10.22054/qpss.2026.88706.3684
