Wahhabi Movement

Definition

The Wahhabi Movement is a reformist Islamic movement founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the 18th century, primarily in what is now Saudi Arabia. It emphasizes a return to what its followers consider the purest form of Islam by advocating for strict monotheism and rejecting practices considered innovations or polytheistic. This movement has played a significant role in shaping modern interpretations of Islam and has influenced both religious literature and broader cultural contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wahhabi Movement originated in the Arabian Peninsula during the 18th century, particularly in the region of Najd.
2. It gained prominence through an alliance with the House of Saud, which helped establish a political entity in what would become modern Saudi Arabia.
3. Wahhabism rejects various traditional practices in Islam, such as veneration of saints and Sufi practices, viewing them as forms of shirk (associating partners with God).
4. The movement has significantly influenced Islamic thought and practice, not only within Saudi Arabia but also across many Muslim communities worldwide.
5. Wahhabi doctrines are often associated with conservative interpretations of Islamic law and have led to a unique cultural expression within religious literature.

Review Questions

• How did the Wahhabi Movement emerge and what were its main objectives?
  • The Wahhabi Movement emerged in the 18th century in the Arabian Peninsula, founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. Its main objectives were to purify Islam by advocating for strict monotheism and eliminating practices viewed as innovations or polytheism. The movement sought to return to what its followers considered the original teachings of Islam as practiced by the Salaf.
• In what ways did the alliance between the Wahhabi Movement and the House of Saud shape modern Saudi Arabia?
  • The alliance between the Wahhabi Movement and the House of Saud was crucial in establishing a unified political entity in Arabia. This partnership allowed for the imposition of Wahhabi interpretations of Islam as the state religion, influencing Saudi governance, social norms, and educational policies. Consequently, this alliance has led to Saudi Arabia's role as a significant promoter of Wahhabi teachings globally.
• Evaluate the impact of the Wahhabi Movement on contemporary Islamic thought and how it intersects with global perceptions of Islam.
  • The Wahhabi Movement has profoundly impacted contemporary Islamic thought by reinforcing conservative interpretations of Islam and influencing various Muslim communities worldwide. Its focus on strict monotheism and rejection of traditional practices has sparked debates around modernization and reform within Islam. As a result, it often shapes global perceptions of Islam, particularly concerning issues around extremism, making it vital to understand its influence when analyzing current events related to Islamic beliefs and practices.

Related terms

Salafism: A reformist ideology within Sunni Islam that seeks to emulate the practices of the Salaf, the early generations of Muslims, closely associated with the Wahhabi Movement.

Ibn Abd al-Wahhab: The founder of the Wahhabi Movement, who advocated for a puritanical approach to Islam and sought to eliminate practices he viewed as deviations from true monotheism.

Saudi Arabia: The modern nation-state that emerged in the 20th century, heavily influenced by the Wahhabi Movement and its alliance with the ruling Al Saud family.