The name Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab (and
correspondingly Wahhabis and Wahhabism) has been heard quite
often throughout both the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds during the
past two centuries. In reality, ibn Abdul-Wahhaab is not a man who is
shrouded in mystery. His writings, as well as the writings of his
closest students and descendents, are well-known and easily available
today in virtually any part of the world. Although he is not shrouded
in mystery what has been said about him over the years has definitely
been filled with both fact and fiction.
Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab was both a fellow human
being and a fellow Muslim. As such, he has the right to be studied in
an impartial and objective manner. That is, he has the right to a fair
trial. No matter how much one may oppose his teachings, one does
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This means that many issues that are bandied about today must be considered
beyond the scope of this particular work. However, once the critique of certain
policies is tied into Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab and what is called
Wahhabism, then one is no longer speaking about the critique of a certain
country, people or group today. Now one is speaking about principles related to
the religion. One then has to study whether those principles are truly part of
Islam or not. If it is concluded that Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab was truly
following the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him),
then the attacks upon ibn Abdul-Wahhaab are also attacks on the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the way of life he preached. For
a Muslim, obviously, this makes this topic of utmost importance. In fact, it is
incumbent upon Muslims to defend the honor and truth of their religion, their
prophet and their brethren. The Life, Teachings and Influence of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
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not have the right to wrong him. Indeed, the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him) has warned,
Wrongdoing [shall be] darkness on the Day of Resurrection.
(Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.) When speaking about another
person, such as ibn Abdul-Wahhaab or his followers, one should
remember the Prophets teaching,
All of a Muslim is inviolable to every other Muslim, with respect to
his blood, wealth and honor. (Recorded by Muslim.) One must also
be cautious of the Prophets warning,
Beware of the supplication of the wronged for between him and
Allah there is no barrier. (Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)
Even if one wants to argue that ibn Abdul-Wahhaab and his followers
are not to be considered Muslims, one should be wary of speaking
untruths about them. A narration recorded by Ahmad specifically
states,
Beware of the supplication of the wronged, even if he be a
disbeliever, for before it there is no barrier [that is, between it and
Allah].1
In all cases, impartiality, objectivity, scholarly integrity and
fairness are to be expected from any Muslim. This must be true even
when dealing with ones enemies or ones opponents. Allah has
clearly instructed,
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as just witnesses; and
let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just:
that is nearer to piety. And fear Allah, for Allah is well-acquainted
with all that you do (al-Maaidah 8). Allah also says,
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to
Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and
whether it be (against) rich or poor. Allah is a better protector to both
(than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you avoid
justice. And if you distort your witness or decline to give it, verily
Allah is ever well-acquainted with all that you do (al-Nisaa 135).
The above hadiths and verses should make any true believer
shiver from speaking about others with words that are based on
falsehood or filled with unfair or unjust statements.
