The Basic Law of Saudi Arabia (alternative name: Basic System of Governance; Arabic: النظام الأساسي للحكم, romanized: al-Nidham al-Asasi lil-Hukm) is a constitution-like charter divided into nine chapters, consisting of 83 articles. The Basic Law (in Article One) states that the constitution of Saudi Arabia is "the Holy Qur'an, and the Sunnah (Traditions)" of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. However, the Basic Law contains many characteristics of what might be called a constitution in other countries ("The Law of Governance", "Rights and Duties"). The Basic Law is per the Sunni Salafi School understanding of Islamic law.

Following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the First Gulf War, King Fahd issued a royal decree that was published in official television and newspapers on 31 January 1992. The Decree stated the following:

The Consultative Council also came to life about a year after in the light of the emerging conditions affecting the country after the war.^{[citation needed]}

Saudi cultural and religious views stigmatize any reference to "Constitution" other than the Qur'an and the practice of Muhammad. Article 1 of the Basic Law emphasize that "God's Book (Qur'an) and the Sunna of his Prophet (Muhammad), are its (Saudi Arabia) constitution". Prince Talal bin Abdul Aziz said that there cannot be "a constitution, a regulation, or a law that runs counter to the Islamic Sharia" in Saudi Arabia.

Article 1 states that "God's Book and the Sunnah of His Prophet" are the country's constitution and Arabic is the official language with the capital at Riyadh.

Article 7 proclaims the rights of the monarch. Next, per Article 8, "justice, consultation, and equality" shall be in accordance with Sharia.

Article 9 states that all members of each family in Saudi Arabia shall be reared "on the basis of the Islamic faith."

Article 18 guards the private property of citizens.