Wahabism, also known as Salafism, is an Islamic religious movement that originated in Saudi Arabia. The word is spelled /wəˈhɑːbɪzəm/, with stress on the first syllable. The "w" is pronounced like a "v" in many Arabic-speaking countries. The "a" sounds like the "a" in "father," and the second syllable is pronounced like "hob." This movement emphasizes the importance of returning to the teachings of the Qur'an and the Hadith, and taking a strict approach to Islamic practice.
Wahhabism is a conservative and puritanical form of Sunni Islam that originated in the 18th century in the Arabian Peninsula. It was founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, a religious scholar from the Najd region of present-day Saudi Arabia. Wahhabism emphasizes the strict adherence to the teachings of the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) and rejects any cultural or religious practices that are not explicitly based on these sources.
The key principles of Wahhabism include tawhid (the absolute oneness of God), the prohibition of shirk (polytheism), bid'ah (innovation in religious matters), takfir (declaring Muslims as non-believers), and the importance of a literal interpretation of Islamic texts. Consequently, Wahhabis believe in enforcing a strict and literal interpretation of Islamic law, known as Sharia, and often oppose practices such as music, dancing, and visiting the graves of saints.
Influence-wise, Wahhabism has played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of Saudi Arabia and has also had an impact beyond its borders through financial support for mosques, madrasas, and Islamic organizations worldwide. Due to its conservative nature, Wahhabism has often been associated with the ideology of Islamist movements and has been criticized for promoting intolerance, religious extremism, and support for terrorism. However, it is important to note that not all followers of the Salafi movement (of which Wahhabism is a branch) identify as extremists, and the majority lead peaceful and orthodox lives as practicing Muslims.
The word "Wahhabism" is derived from the name of its founder, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab was an 18th-century Muslim scholar from the Arabian Peninsula who sought to purify Islam by emphasizing the strict adherence to the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). His teachings were eventually adopted as the official religious doctrine of the first Saudi state, which was founded by Muhammad ibn Saud. Over time, this religious ideology became known as "Wahhabism" due to its association with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.