What is the primary source of law in Saudi Arabia?

The primary source of law in Saudi Arabia is Sharia, or Islamic law, which is derived from the Quran and the Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). This legal framework governs not only the legal system of the country but also the daily lives of its citizens, influencing personal matters like marriage and family relationships, as well as criminal justice and commercial transactions.

Sharia is unique to Islamic countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where it forms the backbone of all legal rulings, differentiating it from systems based on common law or civil law, which are founded on statutory laws and legal precedents. In Saudi Arabia, judges interpret Sharia based on a mix of the religious texts and established jurisprudence, making it a deeply integrated aspect of both governance and societal norms.

International law plays a role in the context of treaties and agreements Saudi Arabia may enter into but does not serve as the foundation of its domestic legal system. Common law and civil law are also not applicable as primary sources in this context, as they are based on different cultural and legal traditions that do not align with the country's established practices. Thus, the prominence of Sharia in Saudi legal structure is what sets it apart from other legal systems found worldwide.