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Last viewed: 6 hrs ago
Uploaded: 07 Nov 2025 (11 months ago) · Shared: 27 Feb 2026
Duration: 1:02:33
Uploaded: 07 Nov 2025 (11 months ago) · Shared: 27 Feb 2026
Duration: 1:02:33
Youtube Description
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This week on The Thinking Muslim, we speak with Omar Abdulaziz, the Saudi dissident and activist whose phone was hacked using Israeli spyware technology for criticising the Saudi regime. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, the drive toward normalisation with Israel, and the kingdom’s tightening grip over religion and dissent. We also ask a crucial question: is the Kaaba safe in Saudi hands?
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Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:55 - Kaaba safe in Saudi?
4:30 - Saudi liberalising Islam?
6:59 - Vision 2030
9:14 - Donate to Baitulmaal
11:02 - Saudi anti-religion?
14:09 - Scholars in prison
15:40 - Are they extremists?
20:56 - Reforms
25:38 - Saudi Economy
27:30 - Jamal Kashoggi
38:52 - Who murdered Kashoggi?
40:06 - MBS
45:46 - Scholars on Saudi Arabia
50:51 - Normalisation
58:10 - Is MBS Zionist?
59:30 - Hope to go back to Saudi?
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Search Google Search Explore Topics Thinking Muslim Saudi Arabia Madkhali Islam Evil
Who are Thinking Muslim?The Thinking Muslim Podcast explores key issues in depth with esteemed Muslim thinkers, academics and scholars??.
What is Saudi Arabia?Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. With a land area of approximately 2,150,000 km2 (830,000 sq mi), Saudi Arabia is geographically the largest sovereign state in the Middle East, the 2nd largest in the Arab world (after Algeria), the 5th largest in Asia, and the 12th largest in the world. Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast and Yemen to the south; most of its terrain consists of arid desert, lowland and mountains. As of October 2018, the Saudi economy was the largest in the Middle East and the 18th largest in the world. Saudi Arabia also enjoys one of the world's youngest populations; 50% of its 33.4 million people are under 25 years old.
What is Madkhali?Madkhalism is a branch of the larger Salafi movement that emphasizes loyalty to and submission to secular and authoritarian governments, particularly in the Arab world, based on the teachings of Sheikh Rabee al-Madkhali. Madkhalism is a quietist ideology that some critics view as excessively submissive to authority and potentially neglecting important social issues.
What is Islam?One of the major religions of the world, Islam literally translates to "submission," as a follower of Islam (Muslims) devotes their life to that of their God. The religion began with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. The theology of Islam is based on the Qur'an, which was given to Muhammad by God. Some of the major fundamental principles of Islam include the Five Pillars, which hope to unite all Muslims into a community. Two different factions of Muslims exist - the majority are known as Sunni, with a small percentage known as Shi'a - both predominantly reside throughout the Middle East. Muhammad died in 632 AD and the religion of Islam formally started after his death. The Quran was formally compiled and finalised in 650 AD, prior to which it was 'memorised' and written across many parchments.
What is Evil?A devil is the personification and archetype of evil in various cultures. Historically, devils can be defined as personifications of whatever is perceived in society as evil and the depiction consists of its cultural traditions. In Christianity, the manifestation of the Devil is Satan: the primary opponent of God.
