Wahhabism

Overview

A reform movement founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703-1792) in the Arabian Peninsula. It emphasizes strict monotheism (tawhid), the elimination of what it considers innovations (bid'ah) and polytheistic practices, and a return to the Quran and Sunnah as understood by the earliest generations. Allied with the House of Saud since 1744. The term 'Wahhabi' is often considered pejorative by adherents who prefer 'Salafi' or simply 'Muslim.' Mainstream Sunni scholars have both praised and criticized various aspects of the movement.

Key Beliefs

• Strict tawhid and rejection of intercession through saints
• Opposition to visiting graves and building structures over them
• Rejection of most Sufi practices
• Adherence to Hanbali fiqh with emphasis on textual literalism
• Classification of many popular Muslim practices as shirk or bid'ah