WahhabiIslamic

WahhabiIslamic, more commonly referred to as Wahhabism or Wahhabi Islam, is a reformist movement within Sunni Islam that emerged in the 18th century in the Najd region of the Arabian Peninsula. It was founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, who urged a restoration of absolute monotheism (tawhid) and a rejection of practices deemed polytheistic or innovated (shirk and bid‘ah).

Together with the semi-nomadic leadership of Muhammad bin Saud, Ibn Abd al-Wahhab formed an alliance that established a ruling framework in central Arabia, later shaping the political-religious establishment of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Wahhabi doctrine emphasizes strict adherence to the Qur’an and hadith, a rejection of taqlid (blind imitation), and a return to what adherents view as the practices of the early Muslim community. It is often associated with a Hanbali-leaning jurisprudence and a Salafi approach to creed, though scholars caution that there is diversity within the tradition.

Practices stressed by adherents include a strong emphasis on tawhid, avoidance of acts considered religious innovations, and skepticism toward shrines, tomb visitation, and certain folk practices. The movement has influenced Islamic education and the spread of Salafi-type interpretations through mosques, schools, and charitable organizations in various countries.

Contemporary discussions distinguish doctrinal Wahhabism from political violence; while some militant groups have claimed inspiration from Wahhabi texts, many scholars argue that Wahhabism as a creed is not synonymous with extremism. In Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, Wahhabi-influenced thought remains a significant, though contested, strand of Sunni Islam, contributing to debates about reform, modernity, and religious authority.