Saudi Arabian authorities recently arrested a number of Islamic scholars and activists, raising concerns that the government is attempting to push a more liberal agenda in the country.

Among those arrested are prominent scholars such as Salman al-Odah and Awad al-Qarni, both of whom have millions of social media followers and have been vocal in their support for more strict interpretations of Islam.

The government has not issued an official statement regarding the arrests, but sources close to the situation say the individuals were detained for expressing opinions that contradict the government’s recent lenient policies. Some see this as the Saudi government’s attempt to silence dissenting voices and impose a more liberal agenda in the country.

This move is part of the Saudi government’s larger effort to promote a more liberal and modern image of the kingdom. This includes lifting a decades-long ban on women driving and allowing them to attend stadium sporting events.

The international community has expressed concern about the arrests, with human rights organizations calling for the scholar’s and activists’ immediate release. Many people have also criticized the government’s actions as a violation of people’s right to free expression.

As part of its liberalization drive, the Saudi government has announced plans to build a number of new tourist attractions, including museums, theme parks, and luxury resorts. These plans have alarmed Muslims around the world, who fear that the government will demolish or alter historic sites to make way for the new developments. One example is the plan to demolish portions of Mount Uhud in Medina, which Muslims regard as sacred due to its significance in Islamic history. The demolition is said to be to make way for a new medical facility despite the Medina’s numerous open spaces.

Many citizens are also concerned that the government’s push for a more liberal and secular society will result in the suppression of traditional Islamic practices and beliefs. They argue that destroying historical sites and eroding religious traditions would be a betrayal of the kingdom’s Islamic heritage and a violation of the rights of Muslims worldwide.

The Saudi government has not yet responded to these concerns, but Muslims around the world are urging the government to respect and protect Islamic historical sites, as well as reconsider its plans for modernization and liberalization.