History Of Saudi Arabia

Short history
 Saudi Arabia is a nation of tribes that can trace their roots back to the earliest civilizations of the Arabian peninsula. The ancestors of modern day Saudis lived on ancient andimportant trade routes and much of their income was realized by raiding parties. Divided into regions and ruled by independent tribal chiefs, the various warring tribes were unified under one religion,Islam, led by the Prophet Mohammed, in the 7th century. Before the Prophet died at age 63, most of Arabia was Muslim.

     The ancestors of the present rulers of Saudi Arabia reigned over much ofArabia during the 19th century. After losing most of Saudi territory to the Turks, they were driven from Riyadh and sought refuge in Kuwait. King Abdul Aziz Al Saud, father of the present day King,returned to Riyadh and fought to regain the country. He succeeded and founded modern Saudi Arabia in 1932.

     Oil was discovered in 1938 and Saudi Arabia began a rapid climb as one of the world'swealthiest and most influential nations.
  religion
Saudi Arabia is home to Islam, one of the three monotheistic religions. Muslims believe in one God, and that Mohammed is his Prophet. As theheartland of  Islam, Saudi Arabia occupies a special place in the Muslim world. Each year, millions of Muslim pilgrims journey to Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, to pay homage to God. For this reason, Saudi Arabiais one of the most traditional Muslim countries and its citizens adhere to a strict interpretation of the Koran.

A Muslim has five obligations, called the Five Pillars of Islam. These obligationsare: 
1) Profession of faith: "There is no god but God; Mohammed is the messenger of God."
2) A Muslim should pray five times a day, facing the city of Makkah.
3) A Muslim must pay a fixedproportion of his income, called zakat to the poor. 
4) During the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a Muslim must fast. During   this time, called Ramadan, Muslims must abstain from food and drink from...