Ibn Abd al-Wahhab, Muhammad 🌟
Definition and Meaning:
Ibn Abd al-Wahhab, Muhammad (d. 1791) was a prominent Saudi Arabian conservative theologian, Hanbali jurist, and the ideologue behind the Wahhabi movement. His reformist views emphasized a direct return to the Quran and Hadith, eschewing medieval interpretations and denouncing practices such as shrine cults, saint worship, intercessory requests from figures other than God, and any authority besides God. He promoted strict adherence to traditional Islamic law, opposed taqlid (blind adherence to tradition), and advocated for ijtihad (independent reasoning through scripture).
Etymology and Background:
- Ibn Abd al-Wahhab: “Ibn” means “son of,” “Abd” means “servant,” and “al-Wahhab” comes from one of the 99 names of Allah, meaning “The Bestower.”
- Muhammad: The name of the Prophet in Islam, meaning “praised” or “praiseworthy.”
Ibn Abd al-Wahhab was born in 1703 in the town of Uyayna in Najd (present-day Saudi Arabia). He studied Islamic jurisprudence and theology extensively, particularly within the Hanbali school of thought.
Historical Facts and Dates:
- 1703: Born in Uyayna.
- 1744: Formed an alliance with Muhammad ibn Saud.
- 1791: Died in Diriyah.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Saudi Arabia: His legacy is extensively influential, shaping the nation’s religious stance.
- Other Muslim-majority countries: Diverse theological interpretations and less rigid views compared to Wahhabism.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms:
- Synonyms: Wahhabi, Salafi reformer
- Antonyms: Sufi theologians, proponents of shrine worship
- Related Terms: Hanbali school, tawhid, ijtihad, taqlid
Exciting Facts:
- The first Saudi state, established through his alliance with Ibn Saud, is considered the precursor to modern-day Saudi Arabia.
- Many modern conservative Islamic movements trace their intellectual lineage back to Wahhabism.
Quotations:
“There is no duty of obedience to any creature in disobedience to the Creator.” - Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab
Suggested Literature:
- Commins, David. “The Wahhabi Mission and Saudi Arabia” (2006).
- DeLong-Bas, Natana. “Wahhabi Islam: From Revival and Reform to Global Jihad” (2004).
- Mednicoff, David M. “Islamic Realism: Islamic Law and International Justice” (2020).
Exciting Translations:
- Arabic: محمد بن عبد الوهاب
- Turkish: Muhammed bin Abdülvehhâb
- Urdu: محمد بن عبد الوہاب
- Bengali: মুহাম্মদ ইবনে আব্দুল ওয়াহাব
- Indonesian: Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab
- Persian: محمد بن عبد الوهاب
Inspirational Thought:
May the study of great minds like Ibn Abd al-Wahhab remind us of the power of reform, the significance of returning to foundational texts, and the intricate tapestry of history that shapes our present and future. 🌟
