Wahhabi (وهابى)

Wahhabi (وهابى)

Wahhabi (وهابى), a significant Islamic reform movement rooted in Hanbali jurisprudence, was founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, born in Ayinah, Najd in 1691. Opponents of engaging in doctrinal discussions directly referring to Muhammad (pbuh) opted to use his father’s name, leading to the term “Wahhabi.”

The Wahhabi movement emphasizes a return to the purest form of Islam by strictly adhering to the Qur’an and Hadith. As a reaction against perceived deviations and superstitions among Muslims, Wahhabis are staunch advocates for tawhid (the oneness of God) and vehemently oppose practices they consider bid’ah (innovations) or shirk (polytheism).

Etymology and Translations

• Etymology: The term “Wahhabi” is derived from the name of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab’s father, Abd al-Wahhab. The Arabic term is “وهابى‎.”
• Arabic: وهابى‎ (Wahabi)
• Turkish: Vahhabi

Historical Context

Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, a scholar well-versed in Hanbali fiqh, aimed to purify Islam by removing practices he saw as corruptions added after the initial generations of Islam. His studies in Mecca, Basra, and Baghdad solidified his views, leading him to preach against the veneration of saints, use of intoxicants, and other practices considered contrary to Islam’s fundamental teachings.

After local opposition compelled him to move, he allied with Muhammad ibn Saud, leading to the establishment of the first Saudi state. This alliance intertwined the Wahhabi religious revival with political and military expansion. The movement’s expansion first bolstered regional control in Najd and eventually extended to Mecca and Madinah before facing resistance from the Ottoman Empire.

Core Beliefs

The Wahhabi doctrine is characterized by its distinct religious tenets:

1. Rejection of Ijma’: Denies the binding authority of consensus (ijma’) post-companions of the Prophet.
2. Direct Interpretation: Advocates for individual interpretation of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
3. Opposition to Grave Veneration: Opposes the worship and veneration at the tombs of saints or prophets.
4. Limited Festivals: Celebrates only four festivals: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Ashura, and Lailatul Mubarakah, avoiding others like the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid).
5. Literal Interpretation of Divine Attributes: Holds that terms like “hand of God” are to be understood literally, though the exact nature remains unknown.
6. Avoidance of Innovations: Rejection of practices like the use of rosaries for prayer counting, preferring using fingers.

Historical Impact and Spread

Wahhabism significantly influenced regions beyond the Arabian Peninsula, affecting Islamic thought in countries like India. Its tenets were propagated through texts such as Sirat al-Mustaqim and Taqwiyat al-Iman, which sustain its conservative reformist principles.

Books for Further Study

1. “Bedouins and Wahhabys” by John Lewis Burckhardt
2. “A Brief History of the Wahhabis” by Joseph Brydges
3. “Political Mission to Najd” by Sir Lewis Pelly
4. “The Musalmans of India” by Sir William Hunter
5. “Central and Eastern Arabia” by William Gifford Palgrave
6. “Pilgrimage to Najd” by Lady Anne Blunt
7. “Imams and Seyyids of Oman” by Dr. George Percy Badger
8. “The Future of Islam” by Wilfrid Scawen Blunt

Conclusion

The Wahhabi movement holds a pivotal place in Islamic reform history, advocating a return to the fundamentals as understood by the Prophet’s companions. Despite political and military setbacks, its influence persists through its stringent adherence to the primary sources of Islamic faith, molding the perspectives and practices of many contemporary Muslims.

Takeaways

• Wahhabi movement started by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the 18th century.
• Emphasis on returning to the original teachings of Islam, per the Qur’an and Hadith.
• Strong opposition to practices considered innovative or idolatrous.
• Significant political alliance with the Saudi dynasty, shaping the socio-political landscape of Arabia.
• Ongoing influence through the propagation of its doctrines in various Islamic regions and sects.

This synopsis provides a foundational understanding of Wahhabi values, historical development, and its lasting footprint within the Muslim world.