Wahhabis
Introduction
Wahhabism is an eighteenth-century reformist and revivalist movement aimed at sociomoral reconstruction of society. Founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, a Hanbali scholar, in the Najd region of Arabia, this movement has significantly shaped the sociopolitical and religious landscape of the region. It underscores the centrality of tawhid (the oneness and unity of God) as its cornerstone doctrine and proposes a return to an idealized Islamic past based on the Quran and Hadith.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الوهابية (Al-Wahhābiya)
- Turkish: Vehhabîlik
- Etymology: The term “Wahhabism” derives from the founder’s name, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703–1792). While opponents refer to the followers as Wahhabis, they self-identify as Muwahhidun (موحدون), meaning “those who affirm the oneness of God.”
Historical Context
Wahhabism began during a period of perceived moral decline and political fragmentation in the Arabian Peninsula. Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab initiated this movement in response to what he saw as widespread deviations from pure Islamic teachings. He sought to reform society by re-emphasizing strict monotheism, rejecting any accretions like the veneration of saints, idolatry, and shrine visitation.
Core Doctrines
Tawhid (Uniqueness and Unity of God)
At the heart of Wahhabism is the doctrine of tawhid, which stresses that only God deserves worship, and associating others with God (shirk) is the gravest sin.
Rejection of Bid’ah (Innovation)
Wahhabism strongly opposes any form of religious innovation not grounded in the Quran and Hadith. This includes practices like visiting tombs and saints, which they view as polytheistic and antithetical to pure Islamic monotheism.
Sociopolitical Impact
Alliance with Muhammad ibn Saud
In 1747, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab formed a crucial alliance with local chieftain Muhammad ibn Saud. This partnership eventually laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Their combined forces led to the unification of various Arabian factions under a puritanical interpretation of Islam.
Education and Knowledge
Wahhabism places a strong emphasis on education as a means of countering what they perceive as ignorance and deviation from true Islamic principles. Religious schools (madrassas) and study circles were instrumental in proliferating Wahhabi doctrine.
Controversies and Opposition
Violent Reforms
Wahhabis have often been associated with violent actions against those they perceive as engaging in shirk. This includes the demolition of domes, shrines, and tombs. Notably, the sacking of the Shia shrines in Najaf and Karbala in 1802 remains a dark chapter often cited by opponents.
Books for Further Study
- “Wahhabi Islam: From Revival and Reform to Global Jihad” by Natana J. DeLong-Bas
- “The Wahhabi Mission and Saudi Arabia” by David Commins
- “Religion and Politics in Saudi Arabia: Wahhabism and the State” by Muhammad Al-Atawneh
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Wahhabism is a movement deeply rooted in the principle of tawhid, advocating a puritanical version of Islam.
- Began in the 18th century as a response to moral and political decline in Arabia.
- Formed a significant alliance with Muhammad ibn Saud, leading to the formation of modern Saudi Arabia.
- Known for its strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith, rejecting practices deemed to be innovations.
- Often associated with controversial and violent opposition to perceived un-Islamic practices.
Understanding Wahhabism provides a lens through which to examine modern Islamic movements and their impacts both regionally and globally.
By breaking down the Wahhabi movement into its components of historical context, core doctrines, sociopolitical impact, and controversies, we gain insight into its lasting influence on modern Islam and global politics.
