Are there any threats to Mecca and other holy sites in Saudi Arabia? Why has KSA called Pakistani military? What is MBS afraid of?

New Delhi: In 1979, a few hundred followers of Al-Jama’a Al-Salafiya Al-Muhtasib nearly captured Mecca. They nearly overthrew the Saudi monarchy, potentially leading to the collapse of Saudi Arabia. This rebellion was carried out at the heart of Islam, and perhaps this is why Saudi Arabia has once again signed a security agreement with Pakistan, as the reverberations of that incident remain in Saudi Arabia even after more than 45 years.

Pakistani political scientist Ayesha Siddiqa explained that the mutual defense agreement signed last week between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia focuses on several issues, such as preventing Iran from acquiring or using nuclear weapons, protecting Saudi Arabia after the US withdrawal from the region, and protecting the Saudi royal family from countries like Yemen. But beyond this, there’s also the simple truth: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud, is concerned that in a religiously conservative country like Saudi Arabia, the royal family cannot be protected solely by military forces.

Saudi Arabia’s defence agreement with Pakistan

To understand the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, it’s essential to understand the Mecca uprising. The 1979 Saudi uprising, known as the Mecca Siege, was one of the most significant and shocking events in Islamic history. On November 20, 1979, hundreds of radical followers of al-Jama’a al-Salafiyya al-Muhtasiba seized the Grand Mosque (Masjid-e-Haram) in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam.

Fear of another Juhayman Uprising?

The rebels claimed that their companion, Muhammad al-Qahtani, was the “Mahdi,” meaning the saviour of Islam. During the days-long battle for control, the rebels stored weapons inside the mosque and began fighting against Saudi security forces. Initially, the Saudi army appeared helpless, but later, with the help of French Special Forces and Pakistani troops, the rebels were defeated using gas and heavy weapons. Hundreds of people were killed in the fighting. This incident had a profound impact on Saudi Arabia’s politics, religion, and security policies, further strengthening the influence of the religious police. This incident of the capture of Mecca is also known as the Juhayman Uprising.

Saudi youth do not support Westernisation

The Saudi royal family, especially Prince Mohammed bin Salman, believes that the 1979 uprising proves that religious extremists can become active at any time in opposition to social and cultural change. Dissatisfaction with Westernisation and modern culture is growing among young Saudi citizens. According to a study conducted in 2025, the country’s youth are opposed to Western civilisation and do not agree with Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030. They are deeply ingrained in religious extremism. Therefore, hopes for interfaith tolerance were futile. Despite the efforts of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud, religious and extremist groups, such as Sheikh Assim al-Hakim and other organisations, were exerting pressure against cultural liberalisation.

Opposition to Prince Salman’s Vision 2030

Clerical circles are also exerting pressure on the Saudi Crown Prince. James Dorsey, a geopolitical expert who monitors Saudi Arabia, writes that Indonesian-born Sheikh Assim al-Hakim, known to his young followers as “Sheikh Ausam,” is one of a group of clerics challenging Prince Salman’s cultural policies, particularly those against gender discrimination, and holds sway over a large portion of the Saudi population. While less cautious clerics like Sheikh Badr al-Mashari and Salah al-Talib are imprisoned, Muhammad al-Ghamdi is facing execution for advocating for the right of clerics to express their views.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Are there any threats to Mecca and other holy sites in Saudi Arabia?
• Why has the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called the Pakistani military?
• In 1979, a few hundred followers of Al-Jama’a Al-Salafiya Al-Muhtasib nearly captured Mecca.
• They nearly overthrew the Saudi monarchy, potentially leading to the collapse of Saudi Arabia.

Pakistani political scientist Ayesha Siddiqa explained that the mutual defense agreement signed last week between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia focuses on several issues, such as preventing Iran from acquiring or using nuclear weapons, protecting Saudi Arabia after the US withdrawal from the region, and protecting the Saudi royal family from countries like Yemen.