Weekly Saudi Arabian Trivia

Basic Law: System of Government

Article 5:

(a)   The system of government in Saudi Arabia shall be monarchical.

(b)   The dynasty right shall be confined to the sons of the Founder, King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (Ibn Saud), and the sons of sons. The most eligible among them shall be invited, through the process of "bai'ah"*

(c)   The King names the Crown Prince and may relieve him of his duties by Royal Order.

(d)   The Crown Prince shall devote full time to his office and to any other duties which may be assigned to him by the King.

(e)   The Crown Prince shall assume the powers of the King on the latter's death pending the outcome of the "bai'ah".

* The leader of an Islamic state is confirmed by the people through a process known as bai'ah; a symbolic contract between the leader and the people wherein the leader promises to obey Islamic law and the people, in exchange, promise their allegiance.

Saudi Arabian Information Resource: Basic Law: System of Government