Wahhabi Movement

Definition

The Wahhabi Movement is a conservative reform movement within Sunni Islam that emerged in the 18th century, founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. It seeks to return to what its followers believe is the pure and unadulterated form of Islam by advocating a strict interpretation of the Quran and Hadith, and rejecting practices deemed as innovations or polytheism. The movement is closely associated with the establishment of the Saudi state and has played a significant role in shaping contemporary Islamic thought and practice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab began promoting his reformist ideas in the 1730s, advocating for monotheism and a return to the original teachings of Islam.
2. The alliance between Ibn Abd al-Wahhab and Muhammad bin Saud laid the foundation for what would become modern-day Saudi Arabia, intertwining political power with religious authority.
3. Wahhabism has been controversial both within the Muslim world and outside it, often criticized for its rigid interpretations and perceived intolerance toward other Islamic traditions.
4. The movement gained significant financial support from the Saudi state, enabling it to influence Islamic education and spread its teachings domestically and internationally.
5. Wahhabism's emphasis on purging practices considered innovations has led to its followers opposing many traditional Islamic practices, such as visiting shrines or celebrating the Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Review Questions

• How did the Wahhabi Movement's principles influence the political landscape of Saudi Arabia?
  • The Wahhabi Movement's principles significantly shaped the political landscape of Saudi Arabia by establishing a close relationship between religious authority and governance. The alliance between Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and Muhammad bin Saud created a state where Wahhabism became the foundation of its laws and social norms. This intertwining of religion and state power not only solidified Ibn Saud's rule but also allowed Wahhabi teachings to permeate various aspects of Saudi society, including education, law, and public life.
• Analyze how Wahhabism's interpretation of Islam contrasts with other Sunni traditions.
  • Wahhabism's interpretation of Islam emphasizes a strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith while rejecting practices seen as innovations or polytheistic, setting it apart from other Sunni traditions. Unlike more moderate Sunni interpretations that may incorporate cultural practices or Sufi traditions, Wahhabism insists on a puritanical approach that seeks to eliminate any perceived deviations from its understanding of pure Islam. This has led to significant tensions with other Islamic sects and movements that embrace different interpretations or cultural expressions of faith.
• Evaluate the impact of the Wahhabi Movement on contemporary global Islam and its role in shaping perceptions of Islam in the modern world.
  • The impact of the Wahhabi Movement on contemporary global Islam is profound, as it has influenced both religious practice and international perceptions of Islam. By promoting an austere interpretation of Islam that emphasizes strict adherence to foundational texts, Wahhabism has been linked to various extremist ideologies, leading to misunderstandings about mainstream Islamic beliefs. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's promotion of Wahhabi principles through funding mosques and educational institutions worldwide has resulted in its doctrines being disseminated across different regions. This global spread has contributed to polarized views on Islam, often associating it with intolerance while overlooking its rich diversity.

Related terms

Salafism: A reformist approach in Sunni Islam that emphasizes returning to the practices of the earliest Muslims (Salaf) and rejecting later innovations in Islamic thought.

Ikhwan: A militant group founded by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, influenced by Wahhabi teachings, that played a key role in the establishment of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia: A country that was established with the help of the Wahhabi Movement, where Wahhabism became the dominant religious ideology and significantly influenced its governance.