The Saudi government considered dawa, religious missionary work, to be a national priority as well as a religious obligation. But it has turned out to be counterproductive for the Saudis—and arguably for Islam—when preachers the government funds take an extremist tack. Complaints, many legitimate, some simple antipathy toward the Saudis or their interpretation of Islam, have make the country an easy target for those who don’t like it very much.

In the US, the Saudi Embassy stopped distributing questionable texts and agreed to have its religious missionaries taken off the diplomatic list and their visas changed from Diplomatic to Official. It has also been more wary in deciding to whom it will provide financial support. I don’t know, however, that it has stopped funding for any particular group or individual.

This report, from The Australian says that the Saudi Embassy in Canberra has taken the step of stopping funding individuals and groups in Australia.

While I have no problem whatsoever with any religious group’s seeking converts, I think it necessary for the Saudi government to pay close attention to whom it chooses to fund. Fair or not, Saudis are an easy target for criticism and complaint. I think it would be better for the KSA to pull back on its efforts until it has a very clear idea of with whom it deals. It’s not enough that someone is righteous or well-intended. They have to also understand the environment in which they work and the multi-religious nature of the world. That includes non-Salafi Muslims who believe as intently in their view of Islam as do the Saudis.

Saudis cut back Islamic funding
Richard Kerbaj

SAUDI Arabia is significantly winding back its direct funding of Australian Muslim groups to counter a backlash against claims that money from Riyadh was being used to sponsor followers of hardline Islam.

Despite ASIO giving the all-clear for the Saudi embassy to send money to 12 Islamic organisations in Australia, not one of the groups was subsequently funded.

Sources have told The Australian that the embassy is thought to have recast its spending patterns, because its religious contributions were increasingly subject to scrutiny and criticism from academics, the legal fraternity and sections of the Muslim community.

Members of the Muslim community who have missed out on Saudi funding confirmed the change.

“The Saudis are becoming quite concerned about the trashing of their reputation,” a source said.

“They used to splash around a lot more money in the past. But the embassy sends advice back to Riyadh, and the recent advice it’s giving is to hold back on the spending.”
…