Article 12 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
المادة 12 من النظام الأساسي للحكم · الباب الثالث: مقومات المجتمع السعودي
The article provides that strengthening national unity is a duty, and that the state prevents everything that leads to disunity, sedition and division.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تعزيز الوحدة الوطنية واجب، وتمنع الدولة كل ما يؤدي للفرقة و الفتنة والانقسام.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 12 explained in plain English
This article contains two provisions:
- Strengthening national unity is a duty. The text states the duty in a general form without limiting it to a particular body.
- The state prevents everything that leads to disunity, sedition and division. This is an obligation directed at the state, and under the article's text it covers "everything" that leads to these results.
The article does not specify the acts considered to lead to disunity, sedition or division, nor the means the state uses to prevent them, and it contains no penalties. It states only the principle, and any details on this matter are not part of this text.
This article is linked to Article 11, which provides that Saudi society is based on its members holding fast to the rope of God, cooperating in righteousness and piety, supporting one another and not dividing; Article 12 makes strengthening unity a duty and obliges the state to prevent what contradicts it. It is also linked to Article 13, which makes it one of the aims of education to prepare the young to be useful members in building their society, loving their homeland and proud of its history.
This article concerns everyone, because it relates to the national unity that the text made a duty. Anyone facing a specific legal matter relating to acts that may be considered inciting sedition may consult a lawyer specializing in criminal cases.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 12 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
Is strengthening national unity a duty in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Article 12 provides that strengthening national unity is a duty.
What is the state's role in preventing sedition according to Article 12?
Article 12 provides that the state prevents everything that leads to disunity, sedition and division.
Does Article 12 set a penalty for inciting sedition?
No. The article states only the principle and contains no penalties and does not specify the acts intended.
More articles on Family, Society and Education
- Article 9
The article provides that the family is the nucleus of Saudi society, and its members are raised on the Islamic faith and what it requires of loyalty, obedience, respect for the law and love of the homeland.
الأسرة ، هي نواة المجتمع السعودي، ويربى أفرادها على أساس العقيدة الإسلامية، وما تقتضيه من الولاء والطاعة لله، ولرسوله، ولأولي الأمر، واحترام النظام وتنفيذه، وحب
- Article 10
The article provides that the state is keen to strengthen family ties, preserve the family's Arab and Islamic values, care for its members, and provide conditions for developing their abilities.
تحرص الدولة على توثيق أواصر الأسرة، والحفاظ على قيمها العربية والإسلامية، ورعاية جميع أفرادها، وتوفير الظروف المناسبة لتنمية ملكاتهم وقدراتهم.
- Article 11
The article provides that Saudi society is based on its members holding fast to the rope of God, cooperating in righteousness and piety, supporting one another, and not dividing.
يقوم المجتمع السعودي على أساس من اعتصام أفراده بحبل الله، وتعاونهم على البر والتقوى، والتكافل فيما بينهم، وعدم تفرقهم.
- Article 13
The article sets the aims of education: instilling the Islamic faith in the young, giving them knowledge and skills, and preparing them to be useful members who love their homeland and are proud of its history.
يهدف التعليم إلى غرس العقيدة الإسلامية في نفوس النشء، وإكسابهم المعارف والمهارات، وتهيئتهم ليكونوا أعضاء نافعين في بناء مجتمعهم، محبين لوطنهم، معتزين بتاريخه.
- Article 29
The Article provides that the State cares for sciences, arts and culture, encourages scientific research, preserves the Islamic and Arab heritage, and contributes to Arab, Islamic and human civilization.
ترعى الدولة العلوم والآداب والثقافة، وتعنى بتشجيع البحث العلمي، وتصون التراث الإسلامي والعربي، وتسهم في الحضارة العربية والإسلامية والإنسانية.
- Article 30
The Article provides that the State provides general education and is committed to eradicating illiteracy.
توفر الدولة التعليم العام، وتلتزم بمكافحة الأمية.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.