After modernism, do conservatism and Wahhabism still exist in Saudi Arabia? Critical discourse analysis on x users' comments about religious sentiment issues
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15548/diwan.v17i1.1845Keywords:
Saudi Vision 2030, Conservatism, Wahhabism, Social media discourse, Theo van LeeuwenAbstract
The existence of conservatism and Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia creates a complex discourse in light of the modernism introduced by Saudi Vision 2030. Although much research has been conducted on this topic, none have approached the phenomenon through the lens of social media discourse. To fill the gap in the study, this research examines the existence of Conservatism and Wahhabism as reflected in the comments of internet users concerning the Islamic religious sentiment that emerged on the X platform. This research analyses the contentious event of two non-Muslim women entering the Nabawi Mosque in unsuitable clothing on February 7, 2023, utilising descriptive qualitative methods. The data obtained through internet archive documentation were analysed utilising Theo van Leeuwen's framework. The findings revealed a process of actor exclusion marked by a passivation and actor inclusion utilising differentiation, abstraction, identification, and indeterminacy. The processes and strategies utilized led to a polarisation in the discourse. The emotional discourse observed in the comment section suggests the continued influence of Wahhabism on conservatism within social media discussions. This existence is characterised by Islamic exclusivity, the purification of tauhid, adherence to conservative principles, rejection of modernism, and a literal interpretation of religious texts. The findings of this study indicate that de-conservatisation and de-wahhabisation, integral to the Saudi Vision 2030 program designed to mitigate extremism, do not automatically eliminate this viewpoint from the public sphere. The findings of this study have implications for the advancement of thought studies in the context of modernisation and moderation in Saudi Arabia.
References
Aarts, P. (2020) – Saudi Arabia: More Room for Wahhabism Lite? Gulf Studies Center. 23. 1-5. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10576/15878
Ainurrofiq, F., & Khasanah, N. (2024). From Domestic to Public: The Construction of Women’S Empowerment Discourse in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Akademika : Jurnal Pemikiran Islam. 29(1). 101-116. https://doi.org/10.32332/akademika.v29i1.7755
Alajlan, A. M. (2021). Open Government in The Social Media Age? The Role of Twitter In The Policymaking Process in The Shura Council of Saudi Arabia. Doctoral Thesis. Cardiff University. Retrieved from https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/144143
Aldossry, T. M. (2024). Saudi National Day: Conservatism Versus Modernity in the Light of Saudi Vision 2030. Changing Societies and Personalities. 8(4). 901–919. https://doi.org/10.15826/csp.2024.8.4.305
Alessa, N. A., Shalhoob, H. S., & Almugarry, H. A. (2022). Saudi Women’s Economic Empowerment in Light of Saudi Vision 2030: Perception, Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of Educational and Social Research. 12(1). 316–334. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2022-0025
Alghannam, H. (2024) – Influence Abroad : Saudi Arabia Replaces Salafism in its Soft Power Outreach. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 23. 1-6. Retrieved from https://carnegie-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/files/Alghannam_Saudi%20Arabia.pdf
Alhussein, E. (2020) – Saudi Arabia Champions “Moderate Islam” Underpinning Reform Efforts. The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. 15(10). 1–19. Retrieved from https://agsiw.org/saudi-arabia-champions-moderate-islam-underpinning-reform-efforts/
Alkarni, S. A. (2018). Twitter Response to Vision 2030: A Case Study on Current Perseptions of Normative Disorder within Saudi Socil Media. Doctoral Thesis. University of Ottawa. Retrieved from https://ruor.uottawa.ca/items/d0cce2a7-f3fd-49f3-8eee-745a36ccf193
Almakaty, S. S. (2024). History, Developments and Social Impacts of Journalism Industry in Saudi Arabia : An Integrative Review History, Developments and Social Impacts of Journalism Industry in Saudi Arabia : An Integrative Review. Preprints.Org. 1–13. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202502.1080.v1
Almutarie, A. (2019). Citizen journalism, public interest and social media in Saudi Arabia. Doctoral Thesis. The University of Salford. Retrieved from https://salford-repository.worktribe.com/output/1368715/citizen-journalism-public-interest-and-social-media-in-saudi-arabia
Almuyidi, G. (2020). Driving Opinions On Twitter: Social Identity Theory And Women’s Rights In Saudi Arabia. Master Thesis. Middle Tennessee State University. Retrieved from https://jewlscholar.mtsu.edu/handle/mtsu/6339
Alshaikh, A. B. (2019). Twitter: The Framing process on Twitter by the analysis of Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia. A Scientific Journal Issued by Al-Azhar University. 52. 1-38. https://doi.org/10.21608/jsb.2019.42783
Andika, K., & Idris, M. (2024) – Investigating the Use of Conceptual Metaphors in Al-Jazirah News About Saudi Vision 2030 Policies. Lisaniya Adabiya: Studies in Language and Literature. 1(1). 70–82. Retrieved from https://ejournal.lisaniyaadabiya.id/index.php/lasill/article/view/8
Asadi, A. A. (2020). Tradition-Modernism Cleavage and Political Stability in Saudi Arabia. Quarterly Journal. 11(3). 1–26. https://doi.org/10.30465/cps.2021.31286.2509
Athanasoulia, S. (2020). From “Soft” to “Hard” to “Moderate”: Islam in the Dilemmas of Post-2011 Saudi Foreign Policy. Religions. 11(4). 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel11040211
Balalaa, M. S., Mabrouk, A. Ben, & Abdessalem, H. (2021). A Wavelet‐Based Method for the Impact Of Social Media on the Economic Situation: The Saudi Arabia 2030‐Vision Case. Mathematics. 9(10). 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9101117
Bari, R. (2019) – Socio-cultural Transformation of Saudi Arabia before and after Prince Mohammad bin Salman: An Analysis. International Journal of Applied Social Science. 6(7). 1952–1956. Retrieved from http://scientificresearchjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Social-Science-6_A-1952-1956-Full-Paper.pdf
Czornik, K. (2020). Saudi Arabia as A Regional Power an Absolute Monarchy Undergoing Reform. Vision 2030 - the Perspective of The Perspective of the End of Second Decade of The 21st Century. Przeglad Strategiczny. 13. 179–198. https://doi.org/10.14746/ps.2020.11
Darwish, K., Magdy, M., Rahimi, A., Baldwin, T., & Abokhodair, N. (2018). Predicting Online Islamophobic Behavior After #Parisattacks. The Journal of Web Science. 4(2). 34–58. https://doi.org/10.1561/10600000013
Downing, J., & Dron, R. (2019). Tweeting Grenfell: Discourse and Networks in Critical Constructions of British Muslim Social Social Boundaries on Social Media. Sage Journals. 22(3). 449–469. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444819864572
Evolvi, G. (2019). #Islamexit: inter-group antagonism on Twitter. Information Communication and Society. 22(3). 386–401. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2017.1388427
Faisol, Y., Hadi, S., Reflinaldi, R., & Rahmat, W. (2021). Cyberactivism in Palestinian Conflict News Comments on Al-Jazeera Youtube Channel: A Cyberpragmatic Study (Aktivisme Siber dalam Komentar Berita Konflik Palestina di Kanal Youtube Al-Jazeera: Kajian Siberpragmatik). Jurnal Gramatika: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia. 7(2). 267-286 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22202/jg.2021.v7i2.4954
Farag, A. A., Attia, S., Shafik, Z., & Ibrahim, A. (2018). The Story of NEOM City: Opportunities and Challenges. Springer. 35-49. https://doi.org/ttps://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-77875-4_3
Gause, F. G. (2018) – After the Killing of Jamal Khashoggi: Muhammad bin Salman and the Future of Saudi-U.S. Relations. CSIS: Center for Strategic & International Studies. 1-19. Retrieved from https://www.csis.org/analysis/after-killing-jamal-khashoggi-muhammad-bin-salman-and-future-saudi-us-relations
Grabowski, W. (2021). Beyong Tradition and Modernity: Challenges of Transformation in Saudi Arabia. Rocznik Orientalistyczny. 2. 82–97. https://doi.org/10.24425/ro.2021.139547
Habibi, N. (2019). Implementing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: An Interim Balance Sheet. Crown Center for Middle East Studies. 127. 1–10. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.brandeis.edu/esploro/outputs/book/Implementing-Saudi-Arabias-Vision-2030-an/9924036744301921
Hamdi, S. (2019). De-Kulturalisasi Islam dan Konflik Sosial dalam Dakwah Wahabi di Indonesia. Kawistara: Jurnal Ilmiah Sosial dan Humaniora. 9(2), 164–178. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22146/kawistara.40397
Hamer, A-L, (2023). #Laicite on Twitter: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Hashtag #Laicite and its Use in Discourse on Islam in the French Republic. Master Thesis. Malmo University. Retrieved from https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1764537/FULLTEXT03
Heydarzeda, M., & Seyed Bagheri, S. K. (2024). Saudi Political System and Human Rights Challenge. Journal of Crisis Studies of the Islamic World. 11(3). 146–168. https://doi.org/20.1001.1.29811104.1403.11.3.7.5
Hvidt, M. (2018) – The New Role of Women in The New Saudi Arabian economy. Center for Mellemostsudier. 1-17. Retrieved from https://findresearcher.sdu.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/140141199/Hvidt_KSA_Role_of_women_April_2018.pdf
Ismail, M., Baig, A., & Batool, Y. (2022). the Kingdom of Saudi Arab: a Case Study of Muhammad Bin Selman’s(MBS) Vision 2030. Pakistan Journal of International Affairs, 5(2), 1302–1315. https://doi.org/10.52337/pjia.v5i2.511
Ismail, R. (2023) – Saudi Salafi Clerics Under MBS: Reform and Survival. Crown Center for Middle East Studies. 156. 1–8. Retrieved from https://www.brandeis.edu/crown/publications/middle-east-briefs/pdfs/101-200/meb156.pdf
Izaqi, M. S. (2016) – Pengaruh Kelompok Wahabi terhadap Politik Luar Negeri Arab Saudi Dalam Arab Spring Di Mesir Tahun 2011-2013. Jurnal Analisis Hubungan Internasonal. 5(2). 387–398. Retrieved from https://journal.unair.ac.id/JAHI@pengaruh-kelompok-wahabi-terhadap-politik-luar-negeri-arab-saudi-dalam--arab-spring-di-mesir-tahun-2011-2013--article-11049-media-131-category-8.html
Kéchichian, J.A. (2019) – The Consequences of the Khashoggi Affair. Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.com/stable/resrep20689.11
Kinninmont, J. (2017) – Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s Social Contract Austerity and Transformation. Policy Commons. 1–40. Retrieved from https://www-chathamhouse-org.webpkgcache.com/doc/-/s/www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/publications/research/2017-07-20-vision-2030-saudi-kinninmont.pdf
Koç, M. A. (2019). Interpretation of the Rise of the Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and Saudi Foreign Policy According To the Barakah Circle Theory. Journal of Islamicjerusalem Studies. 19(2). 165–180. https://doi.org/10.31456/beytulmakdis.518117
Latifah, A., & Solihat, A. (2024). Power relation and knowledge : linking Islamic education to socio-political reform in Saudi Arabia. ATTARBIYAH: Journal of Islamic Culture and Education. 9(2). 157–172. https://doi.org/10.18326/attarbiyah.v9i2.157-172
Lima, J. A. (2023). Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Policy under MBS: decision unit change and its impacts towards Yemen and Syria. Contexto Internacional. 45(2), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-8529.20234502e20220004
Mațoi, E., & Constantin, D. (2016) – Muhammad Bin Salman’s Reforms Vs . Wahhabi Rules: a Challenge for the Status Quo of the Saudi State? International Scientific Conference Strategies XXI The Complex and Dynamic Nature of the Security Environment. 1. 235–248. Retrieved from https://www.ceeol.com/search/chapter-detail?id=824333
Mohamed, M., Ibrahim, A., & Fekry, M. (2022). Cities of the Future Challenges and Opportunities. The 6th Annual Memaryat International Conference. Springer. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15460-7_1
Moshashai, D., Leber, A. M., & Savage, J. D. (2018). Saudi Arabia Plans for Its Economic Future: Vision 2030, the National Transformation Plan and Saudi Fiscal Reform. British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies. 47(3). 381–401. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/13530194.2018.1500269
Nurunnabi, M. (2017). Transformation from an Oil-based Economy to a Knowledge-based Economy in Saudi Arabia: the Direction of Saudi Vision 2030. Journal of The Knowledge Economy. 8. 536–564. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-017-0479-8
Othman, A., Grishin, O., & Nesterchuk, O. (2021). the Impact of Political Reform on Religious Education in Saudi Arabia. INTED2021 Proceedings. 1. 4494–4500. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2021.0914
Ożarowski, R. (2022). Mohammed Bin Salman’S Rising To Power. Chances for Transition in Saudi Arabia? Przeglad Strategiczny. 15. 157–168. https://doi.org/10.14746/ps.2022.1.10
Pashayan, A. (2019). Saudi Arabia on the Road to Modernization: Reality or Myth? International Journal of Eurasian Geopolitics. 8(1). 34-44. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367531526
Rafique, S., & Butt, K. M. (2022) – Muhammad Bin Salman’s Vision 2030: Strategy of the Kingdom in the Facade of Modernization. Journal of Political Studies. 28(2). 41–54. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359961269_Muhammad_Bin_Salman’s_Vision_2030_Strategy_of_the_Kingdom_in_the_Facade_of_Modernization
Rahman, S. (2019). Arab Saudi Baru: VISI 2030, Reformasi, dan Wahabisme. Master Thesis. Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga. 1–113. Retrieved from https://digilib.uin-suka.ac.id/id/eprint/38666/1/17200010161_BAB-I_BAB-IV_DAFTAR-PUSTAKA.pdf
Ruggiero, V. (2019). Yemen: Civil War or Transnational Crime? Springer. 27. 503–514. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s10612-019-09472-6
Sinani, B. (2022). Post-Salafism: Religious Revisionism in Contemporary Saudi Arabia. Religions. 13(4). 1-16. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13040340
Sulaib, F. M. A. (2020). The Role of Religion in the Politics of Saudi Arabia: The Wahhabi Concept: ta’at wali al-amr. Contemporary Arab Affairs. 13(3). 51–78. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1525/caa.2020.13.3.51
Van Leeuwen, T. (2008). Discourse and Practice: New Tools for Critical Discourse Analysis. New York: Oxford University Press.
Verleyen, M. (2020). Under The Abaya An Explorative Study on The Impact of The Saudi 2030 Modernist Reform on Women in Jeddah from A Transnational Feminist Perspective. Doctoral Thesis. Ghent University. Retrieved from https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/002/864/070/RUG01-002864070_2020_0001_AC.pdf
Wafi, M. H. (2018). Diskursus Reformasi Arab Saudi : Kontestasi Kerajaan Saudi Dan Wahabi. Islamic World and Politics. 2(1). 228-239. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18196/jiwp.2113
William, G.B., Amores, J. J., & Arcila-Calderon, C. (2023). The Coversation around Islam on Twitter: Topic Modeling and Sentiment Analysis of Tweets about the Muslim Community in Spain since 2015. Religions. 14(6), 1-16. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14060724
Winarni, L., & Nur Permana, A. P. Y. (2022). Saudi Vision 2030 and the Challenge of Competitive Identity Transformation in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Islamic World and Politics. 6(1). 104-121. https://doi.org/10.18196/jiwp.v6i1.14579
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Kenny Andika, Vani Kurniawan
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
