Not to be outdone by their secular brethren, in 1991 a group of religious Muftis, of which the majority constitute the religious body governing Saudi Arabia filed its own petition with the King seeking reforms more closely associated with their beliefs and traditions. The petition, which made headlines in many capitals of the world, was signed by Sheik Abdul Aziz ibn Baz, the eminent religious figure in Saudi Arabia. It was also signed by many other religious figures to bring weight to the whole matter.

The petition has 12 articles: In this critical period, everybody has recognized the need for change. We therefore find that the most requisite duty is to reform our present conditions that have caused us to suffer these tribulations. Consequently, we ask that the ruler of the nation check the deterioration of these conditions, which need reform in the following areas: 1. The formation of a consultative council to decide internal and external issues on the basis of the Shari'a. Its members must be honest, straightforward and representing all fields of expertise. They must be totally independent and not be subject to any pressure that may affect the authority of the council. 2. All laws and regulations of political, economic, administrative or other nature must be reconciled with the principles of the Shari'a. Trusted committees with expertise in Shari'a should be authorized to repeal legislation not conforming to Shari'a principles. 3 . In addition to possessing specialized expertise, dedication and honesty, government officials and their overseas representatives must be unswervingly moral. Failing any one of the requirements for any reason is an abuse of public trust and a fundamental cause of injury to the national interest and reputation. 4. justice must be applied, rights granted and duties assigned in full equality among all citizens, not favoring the nobles or begrudging the weak. Abuse of authority by anyone whether by shirking obligations or denying people what is their right is a cause for the break-up and annihilation of society. S. All government officials, especially those occupying the highest positions, must be diligently scrutinized and must all be made accountable with no exceptions. Government agencies must be cleansed of anyone whose corruption or dereliction is proven, regardless of any other consideration. 6. Public wealth must be distributed fairly among all classes and groups. Taxes must be eliminated and fees that have overburdened citizens must be reduced. Government revenues must be protected from exploitation and abuse; priority in expenditure must be given to the most urgent necessities. All forms of monopoly or illegitimate ownership must be eliminated. Restrictions imposed on Islamic banks must be lifted. Public and private banking institutions must be cleansed of usury, which is an affront to God and His Prophet, and a cause for stunting the growth of wealth. 7. A strong and fully-integrated army must be built and fully equipped with weapons of all kinds, from any source. Attention must be given to manufacturing and developing arms. The goal of the army must be to protect the country and the Holy Sites. 8. Information media must be remodeled according to the adopted media policy of the Kingdom. The goals must be to educate, serve Islam and express the morals of society. The media must be purged of anything conflicting with these objectives. Its freedom to spread awareness through truthful reporting and constructive criticism must be safeguarded within the confines of Islam. 9. Foreign policy must be based on national interest without relying on alliances not sanctioned by the Shari'a. It must also embrace Muslim causes. The Kingdom's embassies must be reformed to enable them to reflect the Islamic nature of the country. 10. Religious and proselytizing institutions must be developed and strengthened with financial and human resources. All obstacles preventing them from fully carrying out their objectives must be removed. 11. Judicial institutions must be unified and granted full and effective independence. Juridical authority must apply to all. It is necessary to establish an independent body whose function is to ensure carrying out judicial orders. 12. The rights of individuals and society must be guaranteed. Every restriction on people's rights and their will must be removed to insure the enjoyment of human dignity, within the acceptable religious safeguards. Translated by Middle East Watch,