For example, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health Rules of Implementation for Regulation of the Practice of Medicine and Dentistry (1988) was based on the resolution rendered by the Committee of Senior Ulema (Arabic for religious scholars).
Shukri Mustafa, an influential Islamist figure, accused the ulema of providing religious judgments for the sole purpose of government convenience.
He almost certainly sympathised with their main demands for the role of the ulema to be greatly enhanced, for the rooting out of corruption and nepotism, for an arm's length relationship with America.But to his embarrassment, and King Fahd's fury, the petition was made public.
Mr Arbab admits that his interlocutors are now ulema, religious scholars in this case a euphemism for militants.
"The ulema," they said, using an Arabic term for Islamic clergy, "voice their sadness over American deaths and hope America does not attack Afghanistan".
Members of the ulema (including bin Baz) cross-examined them for heresy, but then ordered their release because they saw them as being no more than traditionalists harkening back to the Ikhwan like Juhayman grandfather -- and therefore not a threat.
Some orientalists, sociologists and non-Muslim commentators follow their example by extracting from the Koran certain passages, which they then proceed to analyze in total disregard for the methodological tools employed by the ulema.
There are 200 pallbearers who lug coffins around the shrine of Ali for extra blessings before the burial; at least 100 ulema who read the Koran over the graves; 600 undertakers; 4,000 grave diggers; 250 body washers and countless professional mourners, shroud sellers, tombstone calligraphers and others.
The authority of the ulema were further weakened by the creation of government agencies responsible for providing interpretations of religious laws.
