Wahhabism

A collection of voyages and travels- consisting of authentic writers in our own tongue, which have not before been collected in English, or have only been abridged in other collections. And continued (14586390739)

مقاتل من الدولة السعودية الأولى

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Fathul Majid lisyarhi Kitabit Tauhid Imam Khairul Annas

The heart of Arabia, a record of travel and exploration (1922) (14792399953)

Wahhabism is an Islamic doctrine and religious movement founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the 18th century in the Najd region of what is today Saudi Arabia. It has been variously described as "ultraconservative," "austere," "fundamentalist," or "puritanical," and it advocates for a return to the original practices of the first three generations of Islamic history, known collectively as the Salaf.

Origins and Development

Wahhabism emerged in the context of the broader revivalist movement within Islam, which sought to purify the religion by returning it to what its adherents viewed as its original principles. Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab formed an alliance with Muhammad bin Saud in 1744, laying the foundation for the Saudi state. This alliance combined religious reform with political power, aiming to expand their influence and enforce their interpretation of Islam.

Beliefs and Practices

Wahhabism emphasizes the oneness of God (Tawhid) and opposes many practices it views as shirk (polytheism), such as the veneration of saints and the visiting of their graves, which are common in other Islamic traditions. Wahhabis advocate for a literal interpretation of the Quran and the Hadith, and they stress the importance of following the practices of the Salaf.

Wahhabism has been criticized for its rejection of Islamic theological, legal, and spiritual traditions outside its own narrow interpretation. Its adherents, however, argue that their approach represents a true understanding of Islam, free from innovations (Bid'ah).

Impact and Controversy

The spread of Wahhabism has been facilitated by the oil wealth of Saudi Arabia, allowing the kingdom to fund mosques, schools, and Islamic centers around the world that promote Wahhabist doctrine. This global outreach has had a significant impact on Islamic practices and has contributed to the rise of religious conservatism in many Muslim-majority countries.

Wahhabism has also been linked to various Islamist and jihadist groups, who share its fundamentalist interpretation of Islam. Critics argue that Wahhabist ideology has contributed to the radicalization of Muslims and the justification of violence in the name of Islam. However, the Saudi government and many Wahhabis reject these accusations, distinguishing between their religious movement and the actions of extremists.

Relation with Other Islamic Traditions

Wahhabism's relationship with other Islamic traditions has often been contentious. Its adherents have sometimes engaged in iconoclastic acts against shrines and symbols revered in Sufism and Shi'ism, leading to tensions and conflicts within the Muslim world. Despite these tensions, there have been efforts at dialogue and reconciliation among Muslim scholars and leaders.

Conclusion

Wahhabism remains a significant and influential movement within Islam, shaping not only the religious landscape of Saudi Arabia but also having a wide-reaching impact on the global Muslim community. Its emphasis on puritanical piety and its contentious relationship with other Islamic traditions continue to provoke debate and discussion within and outside the Muslim world.