Mutaween are religious police enforcing Sharia law in Saudi Arabia. They have the power to arrest and punish violators, including for “un-Islamic behavior” such as not dressing according to Sharia or listening to rock music. The Mutaween’s role has been criticized, particularly for its treatment of women. Visitors to Saudi Arabia should be aware of the strict laws and potential consequences of breaking them.
Mutaween are religious policemen who enforce the Islamic law code known as Sharia in Saudi Arabia. Other religious police forces are also sometimes referred to as Mutaween, especially in Muslim countries. The actions of this organization are sometimes considered highly controversial, as the Mutaween have far-reaching authority over citizens and visitors to Saudi Arabia, a country with very traditional and conservative religious values.
This law enforcement agency is part of a larger government organization called the Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. Members of the Mutaween patrol the streets of Saudi Arabia, often with an official police escort, looking for violations of Islamic law. They have the authority to arrest people for violations and can order floggings, imprisonment and public humiliation as punishment.
Among other things, Mutaweens look for women who are not dressed according to Sharia, people of the opposite sex who fraternize, signs of homosexual behavior, violations of Muslim dietary laws, and other signs of “un-Islamic behavior” such as listening to rock music . These Saudi Arabian police may confiscate materials they deem inappropriate, from Westerns to booze, and many people understandably fear the sharp eyes of the Mutaweens.
The role of the Mutaween in Saudi Arabia has been sharply criticized by people around the world, including Muslims. Some contest the Saudi government’s interpretation of Sharia law, pointing out that Muslim religious law is extremely complex and that some positions of the Saudi government may be indefensible. Women in particular chafed at Saudi Arabia’s extremely conservative interpretation of Sharia law, with some reacting with acts of defiance such as not wearing headscarves.
If you plan to travel to Saudi Arabia, you should be aware that you may be accosted by Mutaweens if you engage in behavior they deem unacceptable and run the risk of expulsion or imprisonment. Saudi Arabia relaxes some rules for non-Muslim visitors, but the nation has extremely conservative laws on things like drug use and public behavior. While visitors may disagree with Saudi Arabia’s interpretation of the Sharia, it is highly recommended that you stick to the Mutaween as long as you are a guest and especially if you are visiting a sacred place.
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