Wahhabism

Wahhabism (Arabic: الوهابية) is a term applied to an Islamic religious movement that originated in the Najd region of central Arabia in the eighteenth century. The name derives from Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, the scholar who founded the movement. Adherents of the movement themselves generally do not use this label; they prefer to call themselves 'Salafis', 'Unitarians' (Muwahhidun), or simply Muslims following the Sunnah.

Central to the movement's doctrine is the concept of tawhid—the exclusive worship of God—and rejection of what the movement terms shirk (associationism) or bid'a (innovation). This includes opposition to the veneration of saints at their tombs, the construction of tombs, and religious festivals lacking clear basis in the Qur'an or Sunnah. In jurisprudence, the movement broadly aligns with the Hanbali school, but emphasizes deriving rulings directly from foundational texts.

Historical origins

Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab studied in Najd, the Hijaz, and Iraq before launching a call for the purification of worship. He formed a political and religious alliance with Muhammad ibn Saud, the leader of Dir'iyyah. This partnership—dividing religious authority from state power—became the foundation of the first Saudi state. The relationship between the two families, Al ash-Sheikh and Al Saud, persisted across centuries.

Spread and influence

After the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the twentieth century, the movement's ideas became embedded in the country's education system, judiciary, and religious administration. Following the growth of oil revenues, Saudi-linked organizations and foundations funded mosques, universities, publishing houses, and missionary activities abroad. Consequently, Salafi ideas have influenced many Muslim communities in Africa, Asia, and diaspora populations in Europe.

Dispute over nomenclature

The term 'Wahhabi' is typically used by critics of the movement, who view it as a new school departing from established Islamic tradition. Scholars associated with the movement argue the name is inaccurate, contending that Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab did not establish a new school but called for return to foundational texts. For this reason, some researchers prefer to distinguish carefully between the terms 'Wahhabism' and 'Salafism' in their usage.