What is Wahhabi
Wahhabi is a Islam sunita que surgiu na Arábia Saudita no século XVIII. Fundada por Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, a doutrina wahhabita prega um retorno às práticas originais do islamismo, rejeitando qualquer forma de inovação ou interpretação não baseada nos sacred texts of Qur'an and in the tradition of prophet Mohammed.
Origins and History
Wahhabism originated in central Saudi Arabia, where Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab began preaching his ideas in the 18th century. His doctrine quickly gained followers and spread throughout the region, becoming the dominant current of Islam in Saudi Arabia.
Main Features
One of the main characteristics of Wahhabism is its emphasis on purity and rigidity of religious practice. Wahhabites follow a literal interpretation of the Koran and the tradition of the Prophet MohammedIt rejects any form of innovation or interpretation that is not in accordance with the sacred texts.
Relations with the Saudi state
Wahhabism played a fundamental role in the formation of the Saudi state, which was founded in the 18th century by Muhammad ibn Saud, an ally of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. The alliance between the two leaders was crucial to the expansion of Wahhabism in the region and the consolidation of political and religious power in Saudi Arabia.
Controversies and Criticism
Wahhabism has been criticized by other Muslims and non-Muslim groups, who consider it an extremist and intolerant form of Islam. Some critics accuse Wahhabis of promoting violence and religious radicalism, while others question their strict and literal interpretation of the Koran.
Global Impact
Wahhabism has had a significant impact not only in Saudi Arabia, but also in other Muslim countries and around the world. The spread of Wahhabi doctrine has been associated with the emergence of extremist and terrorist groups, which are inspired by the radical interpretation of Islam promoted by the Wahhabis.
Relationship with terrorism
Wahhabism has often been associated with terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State, which share a radical and violent view of Islam. Although not all Wahhabis support terrorism, the extremist interpretation of Wahhabi doctrine has been used to justify acts of violence in the name of religion.
Challenges and future prospects
Wahhabism is currently facing internal and external challenges as the international community seeks to combat extremism and terrorism. Despite criticism and controversy, Wahhabism continues to exert a significant influence in the Muslim world, and its future remains uncertain.
Conclusion
In short, Wahhabism is a current of Sunni Islam that preaches a literal and rigid interpretation of the Koran and the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. Although it played an important role in the formation of the Saudi state and the spread of Islam in the region, Wahhabism has also been the target of criticism and controversy due to its association with extremism and terrorism. The future of Wahhabism remains uncertain as the international community seeks to address the challenges posed by religious radicalism.
