*Asalaamu Alaykum! I've been hearing this talk of 'wahhabism' on T.V. lately, I asked questions like: 'Is this the same teachings as Islam. Below is a very informative,and well-put article I think of the true nature of what wahhabism(offensive term) is. To learn more read below!
The Truth about “Wahhabism”
Bismillah, Walhamdulillah, Wassalatu Wassalamu Ala Rasooli Allah.
Introduction:
In today’s world, it has become increasingly difficult for a Muslim to find out the truth about many issues. Television, which serves as a very effective tool for propaganda, has been used to convince many Muslims of incorrect things. Among these is that Islamic Fundamentalism is equal to terrorism and is a crime, that Islam is unfair to women, and other false accusations against Islam.
Another widespread misunderstanding is about the so called “Wahhabi” sect. Insha Allah after careful study of this group and their beliefs, it would soon be discovered that these are but pure Muslims with a valid contribution to make. However the paranoia and fear of this “wahhabi” and “extremist” group, which has been instilled in people by some groups with vested interests in this matter, has led some to make groundless and false accusations against “wahhabis”.
The Term “Wahhabi”:
The term “Wahhabi” is used by those who wish to tarnish the image of this Islamic movement, by naming it after one man. Just as we refuse to be called Mohammadens, so do the followers of Shaykh Mohammad bin ‘Abd Al-Wahhab (1206 AH), who have completely rejected the use of this term to describe them.
Therefore we too must reject this malicious label, and forget it completely. It is only used by our enemies who wish to divide us and weaken us. Instead, a better term to use to describe this group is the term Salafy. This refers to those who follow the way of the Prophet (pbuh), and the original guided and united group, the first three generations of Muslims: As-Salaf As-Saalih.
Who is a Salafy?
A Salafy is one who follows the ways of the Prophet (pbuh) and the Prophets Companions (raa). A Salafy does not have to label himself a "Salafy", and one may be a Salafy without conciously knowing it. Anyone who follows the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), using Mohammad's ways and his companions as examples of Islamic practices free from any deviation or innovation is a "Salafy".
One who is a Salafy is not of the Khawaarij. Khawaarij are those who consider the Muslims to be Kaafirs (non-believers) due to their commiting major sins, and make lawful the taking of their wealth and blood. A Salafy is not of the Shi'ah (Shi'ites) because the Shi’ah hate and curse the Prophet's Companions, claim them to be apostates, declare that the Qur'an has been altered, reject the authentic Sunnah and worship the Prophet's family, peace be upon them. A Salafy is also not of the Qadariyyah because they deny Qadr (the Divine Decree). He is not of the Murjiah because they claim Imaan (Faith) to be only in words and not in deed. Likewise, he is not of the Asharriyah who deny Allah's Attributes, and not of the Sufis who worship graves, saints and claim Divine incarnation.
History of Shaykh Abd Al-Wahhab:
Shaykh Mohammad bin Abd Al-Wahhab was only one of the many scholars of the Salafy movement. He was born in Uyayna in Najd in 1703. His father and grandfather were Hanbali Qadis (judges), and he was therefore brought up and educated in this tradition. He studied in many famous learning centres like Al-Medina, Basra, Baghdad and Hamadan. After having completed his studies, Muhammad bin 'Abd Al-Wahhab returned to Uyayna where he publicly preached his beleifs.
Muslims have been misled by some groups to develop a fear and hatered for this Shaykh, which is completely groundless and unwarranted. Many Muslims today, regretfully, believe that the Salafis or “Wahhabis” are supporters of the monarchy in Arabia. This is because of the 1745 alliance between Muhammad bin Abd Al-Wahhab and Muhammad Ibn al Sa'ud. Inshallah we will try to clarify this situation here, and show the truth of what happened.
When Ibn al Sa’ud saw the great influence of Shaykh Mohammad, he decided to take advantage of him for political reasons. The two leaders agreed that political sovereignty should rest with Ibn al-Sa'ud, whereas religious authority should belong to Muhammad bin Abd Al-Wahhab and his followers. This alliance enabled the two to control most of the Arab tribes in the area, and they were able to reunite parts of Arabia once again.
The reason for Shaykh Abd Al-Wahhab accepting the Saud family as leaders was that he beleived that as long as the Sharia is the law and the Ulama have power and a say in the government, then this government is acceptable. He reached an agreement with the Saud family which allowed this, and which brought Arabia much closer to a true Islamic system.
However, what most people do not know is that this alliance did not last long. When Great Britain arrived as a colonial power in the region, they presented a protectorate plan to Ibn Al Sa'ud against the other European colonizers. However, in exchange they asked Ibn Al Sa'ud to terminate the Wahabi sweep across Arabia.
Sheikh Muhammad bin Abd Al-Wahhab refused the British offer for the reason that he wanted the whole region an Islamic State. He wanted to continue expanding and spread Islam and the beliefs of the Prophet and Salaf throughout the Islamic world and not limited to "Saudi Arabia".
After many failed attempts to convince Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab's movement to cease their efforts of spreading Islam, Ibn Al Sa'ud finally imprisoned and killed Abd Al-Wahhab's followers who went against him, and began a solid alliance with Great Britain.
Since then Al Saud have been able to remain in power by not tolerating any opposition. Pure Salafys in Saudia Arabia made several attempts to remove the monarchy, the latest of which was in 1979. A group of Salafys, fully armed, attempted to take over Saudi leadership in the Haram during Hajj and declare a Khalifah like the times of Abu Baker and Omar radi allahu anhum.
As people began to give them commitment the Saudis brought commandos inside the haram next to the Ka'bah to get them out. Many Muslims today believe the rumors which Al Sa'ud spread to defame them. One of these rumors what that this group called one of those present with them “The Mahdy”. They were all killed in this attempt.
The Beleifs of Shaykh Abd Al-Wahhab:
Shaykh Abd Al-Wahhab denounced a number of beliefs and practices prevailing among the Muslim society in his time. Muhammad bin 'Abd Al-Wahhab condemned the intercession, tawassul, which was applied and practised by a large number of Muslims during their prayer to God. He warns the believers against showing excessive devotion to saints and against the use of saints' graves as places of worship for tawassul. He considers these external elements polytheism, shirk.
According to Shaykh Muhammad bin Abd Al-Wahhab, attendance at public prayer is obligatory, smoking of tobacco is forbidden and subject to punishment, shaving the beard and the use of abusive language are also to be punished.
He also denounced visiting the tombs of dead people to gain Allah’s favour, and seeking intercession from any except Allah (swt). These are clearly deviations and unwelcome innovations to our religion, and must be strongly denounced. But this tough stance against deviation has gained the Salafy (Wahhabi) movement a hatered from the Shia sect, which still practices these deviations. His strong stance against tawassul has greatly angered the Shia sect, who perform tawassul regularly. They also pray at the graves of Ahl el Beit, and kneel before them asking them in dua.
These dangerous innovations and un-Islamic practices continue not only in Shia society, but also in countries like Egypt where people pray to saints and say dua to them instead of Allah. Much of this does not come from ideology or beleif, it is only ignorance, custom and superstition.
Shaykh Abd Al-Wahhab, and the Salafy "Wahhabi" movement, want to revive Pure Islam. The Islam which existed during Prophet Mohammad’s time, the time of the Khulafa and the time of As-Salaf As-Salih. They want to eliminate all alien and un-Islamic practices and customs, which are only there because of ignorance. They aim to eliminate all bida’, and to return the Islamic world to Islam as it is in the Qur’an and Sunnah of Rasool Allah (pbuh).
In Conclusion:
After reading some of these facts about the Salafy movement, all that we can say is to invite people to read and to learn more about this and all other groups. Unlike some groups, who know they are preaching falsehood so they prevent their followers from listening to any other point of view, they Salafy movement invites people to listen to its message and every other message.
Every sincere Muslim, who really loves the religion of Islam and wants to live by it, will then be able to compare these messages and decide for themselves who is on the right path of Allah (swt) and Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
In fact, in many cases, by reading the opposing view you can learn more about the issue and about the two opposing sides. For example, if you read the writings of those who oppose the Salafy movement, and see what their complaint about it is, you will realize they are preaching falsehood and they are completely ignorant about Islam.
Finally, we should just remember that the Salafy movement is not just one group of the Muslims. Every sincere and honest Muslim who believes in the Qur'an and the Sunnah is part of this movement whether they realize it or not. It is part of the world wide Islamic revival, and part of the Islamic movement that wants to re-establish Islam, Khilafah and the Islamic Shariah in the Muslim lands.
May Allah (swt) guide us all and unite all Muslims on the truth.
