The Al Saud can levy troops for military campaigns from the towns and tribes under their control.

Although these campaigns are mostly police actions against recalcitrant tribes, the rulers describe them as holy wars (jihad), which they conduct according to religious principles.

The tribute that the Al Saud demand from those under their control also is based on Islamic principles.

Towns, for instance, pay taxes at a rate established by Muslim law, and the troops that accompany the Al Saud on raiding expeditions return one-fifth of their booty to the Al Saud treasury according to sharia (Muslim law) requirements.