Wahhabism

Thought

Wahhabism, being a movement within Islam, uses the Qur'an and the Hadith as its basic texts. It also accepts various commentaries including Ibn Abd al-Wahhab's Kitab al-Tawhid ("Book of Monotheism"), and the works of scholars before him such as Ibn Taymiyya (who has a thirty volume treatise on legal verdicts) (1263–1328).

Related Topics:
Qur'an - Hadith

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Wahhabis do not follow any specific maddhab (method or school of jurisprudence), but mostly interpret the words of the prophet Muhammad directly, using the four maddhab for reference. Although, they are often associated with the Hanbali maddhab. Wahhabis hold that some sects such as Sufism and Shiaism follow novel (as thus non-Islamic) practices.

Related Topics:
Maddhab - Muhammad - Hanbali - Sufism - Shiaism

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Wahhabi theology advocates a puritanical and legalistic stance in matters of faith and religious practice.

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Wahhabists see their role as a movement to restore Islam from what they perceive to be innovations, superstitions, deviances, heresies and idolatries.

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There are many practices that they believe are contrary to Islam, such as:

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• The invoking of any prophet, saint or angel in prayer, other than God alone (Wahhabists believe these practices are polytheistic in nature)
• Supplications at graves, whether saints' graves, or the prophet's grave
• Celebrating annual feasts for dead saints
• Wearing of charms, and believing in their healing power
• Practicing magic, or going to sorcerers or witches seeking healing
• Innovation in matters of religion (e.g. new methods of worship)
• Erecting elaborate monuments over any grave

Wahhabis ban pictures, photographs, and celebrating Muhammad's birthday, among many other things, based on their interpretation of the ahadith. Many Wahhabi men grow their beards and wear their traditional dresses above their ankles. Wahhabies in South Asia are called "Ahl ul Hadith".

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