Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, identifies as a Sunni Muslim, which is the largest branch of Islam worldwide.
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However, understanding his personal religious beliefs proves challenging due to the intricate nature of his position and actions.
Officially, Saudi Arabia adheres to Wahhabism, an ultraconservative interpretation of Sunni Islam. The Saudi royal family historically relies on Wahhabi religious authorities for legitimacy.
Despite this, Mohammed bin Salman has introduced significant social reforms seemingly at odds with strict Wahhabi principles.

Photo via Ynetnews
These reforms include granting women the right to drive and attend sports events, reopening cinemas, and diminishing the authority of the religious police.
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Yet, the Crown Prince has voiced opinions aligned with both conservative and modernist Islamic interpretations, blurring the lines of his religious adherence.
It’s uncertain whether his motivations stem solely from religious convictions or also from political and economic considerations.
Diversifying the economy and appealing to younger Saudis might influence his decisions as much as religious beliefs do.
In conclusion, while Mohammed bin Salman professes Sunni Islam, the complexity of his role and the multifaceted nature of Saudi society make it difficult to ascertain the true extent of his personal religious convictions.


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