Salafism/Wahhabism

Salafism/Wahhabism

Salafism and Wahhabism are two closely related ideologies within Islam, both advocating for a return to the perceived "pure" practices of the early Muslim community, known as the Salaf. These movements emphasize strict adherence to the Qur'an, the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad), and the practices of the first three generations of Muslims (the Salaf), rejecting any innovations (or bid’ah) in religious practice that deviate from these foundational texts.

Core Concepts
The term Salafi derives from the Arabic word "Salaf," meaning "predecessors" or "ancestors," specifically referring to the first three generations of Muslims (the Sahabah, the companions of Prophet Muhammad, their followers, and the next generation). Salafis aim to model their beliefs and practices strictly on what they perceive as the authentic practices of these early Muslims, without later interpretations, innovations, or cultural additions.

Salafism emphasizes Tawhid (the oneness of God), strict monotheism, and the rejection of anything that might be seen as shirk (associating partners with God). The belief in the absolute sovereignty of God and the literal interpretation of Islamic texts are central tenets. Salafists strongly oppose innovations (bid’ah) in religious practice, advocating for a return to what they see as the “pure” form of Islam practiced during the time of the Prophet and his companions.

Wahhabism, often associated with Salafism, refers to the strict interpretation of Salafi thought as promoted by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, an 18th-century scholar from the Arabian Peninsula. Wahhabism grew in prominence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where it has been supported by the royal family since the 18th century. Wahhabism shares much with Salafism in its insistence on strict adherence to the Qur'an and Hadith, but it is particularly noted for its opposition to practices such as the veneration of saints, the building of shrines, and any form of intercession outside of the direct worship of God.

Related Points or Key Texts
Salafist and Wahhabist thought is rooted in the Qur'an and Hadith, with a focus on the authentic texts of these sources. The Hadith collections most central to these movements include those compiled by Bukhari and Muslim, which are widely recognized as authoritative within Sunni Islam. Salafism rejects other interpretations and schools of thought that have developed over time, advocating instead for a return to the salaf's understanding of the texts.

In Wahhabism, the most influential work is the Kitab al-Tawhid (The Book of Monotheism) by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, which argues against practices that he considered to be innovations or deviations from Islam, such as the veneration of saints and the use of intercession. His work provides the intellectual foundation for Wahhabism’s strict interpretations.

Introductory History
Salafism as a formalized movement gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily as a reaction against what was seen as the decline of Islamic civilization and the influence of Western colonial powers. Early Salafi scholars, such as Jamāl al-Dīn al-Afghānī and Muhammad Abduh, sought to revive Islam by returning to the sources, rejecting perceived deviations introduced during later centuries of Islamic history.

Wahhabism, on the other hand, was founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the 18th century in the Arabian Peninsula. His reformist ideas were spread through an alliance with the House of Saud, which established Wahhabism as the dominant ideology of Saudi Arabia. This alliance was pivotal in Wahhabism’s spread, as it became institutionalized in the kingdom and has remained influential in shaping the country’s religious and political landscape.

Wahhabism and Salafism both share a common goal of returning to the “purity” of early Islam. However, while Wahhabism is typically identified with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Salafism is a broader term that can encompass other movements and groups within the Islamic world.

Subsects
Salafism and Wahhabism are often treated as one and the same, particularly when referring to the Saudi Arabian context, but there are differences in their scope and influence. While Wahhabism is most often associated with the Saudi royal family and the religious establishment in Saudi Arabia, Salafism is a broader term that encompasses a variety of groups across the Muslim world.

Some of the key subsects or distinctions within Salafism include:

• Quietist Salafism: This group emphasizes personal piety and religious practice over political activism. Quietist Salafis often focus on spiritual education, the study of Islamic texts, and the purification of the self, avoiding engagement in political matters.

• Activist Salafism: This subgroup is more involved in political action and believes in the necessity of establishing an Islamic state based on the principles of Salafi thought. Activist Salafis may engage in political movements and campaigns that aim to implement Sharia law and challenge non-Islamic governance.

• Jihadist Salafism: This extreme form of Salafism advocates the use of violence to achieve political and religious goals. Groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS have been associated with this interpretation of Salafi thought, using violent tactics to establish a global caliphate and impose their interpretation of Islam.

While Wahhabism is often associated with the Saudi state, Salafism is broader and encompasses a range of ideologies, from those focused on personal spiritual development to those advocating for more radical, political change.

Modern Methodology and Practices
Salafist and Wahhabi practices are marked by an emphasis on literal interpretation of the Qur'an and Hadith, often rejecting the teachings of later Islamic scholars and traditions that they view as deviations. Salafis advocate for the following key practices:

• Strict adherence to the Qur'an and Hadith: Salafis and Wahhabis believe that the Qur'an and Hadith provide all the guidance needed for living a proper Islamic life and reject later theological developments such as Sufism and the Shia traditions.

• Purification of worship: Salafis emphasize the importance of purity in worship, avoiding innovations or additions to religious practices that are not rooted in the Qur'an or Hadith.

• Opposition to saint veneration: Both Salafism and Wahhabism strongly oppose the veneration of saints, visiting tombs, and other practices that they see as innovations or deviations from the original practice of Islam.

• Public piety and modesty: Salafism emphasizes strict public morality, including modest dress and behavior. Women, in particular, are encouraged to wear the niqab (a face veil) and avoid socializing in mixed-gender environments.

• Focus on monotheism (Tawhid): Both movements place great emphasis on the oneness of God, rejecting any form of association with God (shirk), such as the belief in intercession by saints or other figures.

Salafi and Wahhabi groups may also engage in community outreach and educational initiatives to spread their interpretation of Islam, both in their local communities and abroad. These groups may operate schools, distribute literature, and provide financial support to Islamic causes.

Why It Matters
Salafism and Wahhabism have had a profound impact on the religious and political landscape of the Muslim world, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where Wahhabism is the state-supported interpretation of Islam. These ideologies continue to influence various political movements and groups, with some adopting more radical approaches to achieve their vision of an ideal Islamic state.

While Salafism’s emphasis on returning to the "pure" form of Islam may seem attractive to some who seek simplicity and clarity in religious practice, it has been the subject of criticism and controversy, particularly for its strictness and its opposition to cultural and religious diversity within the Muslim world.

In today’s world, Salafism and Wahhabism play a central role in debates about the future direction of Islamic thought, influencing political movements, cultural discussions, and interfaith dialogues.

References

1. The Salafi Movement: A Critical Appraisal by Abd al-Rahman al-Maliki

2. Wahhabism: A Critical Essay by Frédéric Lenoir

3. The Wahhabi Mission and Saudi Arabia by Nabih Bashir

4. BBC Religion - Salafism

5. Salafism in the Contemporary World by Ahmed H. al-Rahim

6. Al Jazeera - Wahhabism and its Influence.