Madkhalism

Madkhalism is a strain of quietist thought within the larger Salafi movement characterised by obeying the ruler of a country, even if he hits your back and takes your wealth. The Saudi government's policies are based on the writings of the Saudi scholar Rabee al-Madkhali. Originating in Saudi Arabia, the movement lost its support base in the country and has mostly been relegated to other countries, with most Saudi Arabians not taking the edicts of Madkhalists seriously. Political scientist Omar Ashour has described the movement as resembling a cult, and English-language media has referred to the group as such. Madkhalism today is mostly popular in Western English-speaking countries and Libya. In addition to Arab regimes, U.S. policymakers and senior advisors to the U.S. Department of State have also reportedly advised the U.S. government to fund al-Madkhali and his strain of thought.