Wahhabism – Understanding the roots and role models of Extremism pdf

Wahhabism – Understanding the roots and role models of Extremism by Zubair Qamar condensed and edited by ASFA staff 

Wahhabism – Understanding the roots and role models of Extremism

Introduction 

The most extremist pseudo-Sunni movement today is Wahhabism (also known as Salafism ). 

While many may think that Wahhabi terror is a recent phenomenon that has only targeted non-Muslims,

 it will surprise many to know that the orthodox Sunni Muslims were the first to be slaughtered in waves of Wahhabi massacres in Arabia hundreds of years ago. 

One only has to read the historical evolution of Saudi Arabia to know the gruesome details 

of the tragedy – a tragedy in which thousands of Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims perished at the hands of Wahhabi militants. 

The extremist interpretations of Wahhabism, although previously confined to small pockets of people in Arabia, has survived to this day under the protection, finance, and tutelage of the Saudi state religious organs. 

This has transformed Wahhabism – and related Salafi groups that receive inspiration 

and support from them – from a regional to a global threat to be reckoned with by the world community. 

To a Wahhabi-Salafi, all those who differ with them, including Sunni Muslims, Shi’ite Muslims, Christians, and Jews, are infidels who are fair targets. 

Do the majority of Sunnis support Wahhabism ? Are Sunnis and Wahhabis one and the same? 

What is a Wahhabi? Because Wahhabis claim to be “true Sunnis,” it is difficult for one who is unfamiliar with Wahhabism to distinguish it from orthodox Sunni Islam. 

If a Wahhabi is asked if he/she is Sunni, he/she will always reply in the affirmative. 

When asked if they are Wahhabis, they reply with an emphatic “no” as they consider it an insult to what they believe and stand for: “Purity of worship and reverence to God alone. 

The authentic carriers of Islam from the time of the Prophet (s)[l] until now.” Calling them Wahhabis implies that