Charity in Saudi Arabia: Civil Society under Authoritarianism

This book explores the role of charity organizations in Jeddah,challenging dominant narratives about state-society relations in Saudi Arabia. It offers a rich ethnography of associational life and provides insights into the religiosity of ordinary Saudis. It examines perspectives that are often ignored or neglected, opening new theoretical debates about civil society and civic activism in the Gulf.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In this groundbreaking exploration of everyday charity practices in Jeddah, Nora Derbal takes a distinctive approach to challenge prevailing narratives about state-society relations in Saudi Arabia. By delving into the world of charity organizations in Jeddah, this book not only provides a rich ethnography of associational life but also counters Riyadh-centric studies that tend to revolve around oil, the royal family, and the religious establishment. It closely follows the individuals who work tirelessly on the ground to provide aid to the local impoverished and needy, capturing their achievements, challenges, and daily negotiations. Through the lens of charity, this book offers unique insights into the religiosity of ordinary Saudis, revealing that Islam provides Saudi activists with a language, moral framework, and worldly guide to addressing inequality. By examining perspectives that are often overlooked or neglected, this book opens up new theoretical debates about civil society and civic activism in the Gulf region.

In this groundbreaking exploration of everyday charity practices in Jeddah, Nora Derbal takes a distinctive approach to challenge prevailing narratives about state-society relations in Saudi Arabia. By delving into the world of charity organizations in Jeddah, this book not only provides a rich ethnography of associational life but also counters Riyadh-centric studies that tend to revolve around oil, the royal family, and the religious establishment. It closely follows the individuals who work tirelessly on the ground to provide aid to the local impoverished and needy, capturing their achievements, challenges, and daily negotiations. Through the lens of charity, this book offers unique insights into the religiosity of ordinary Saudis, revealing that Islam provides Saudi activists with a language, moral framework, and worldly guide to addressing inequality. By examining perspectives that are often overlooked or neglected, this book opens up new theoretical debates about civil society and civic activism in the Gulf region.

Weight: 664g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316513477