Identify the Following Terms

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The Answer is The Wahhabi movement refers to a religious revivalist movement within Sunni Islam that originated in the Najd region of what is now Saudi Arabia during the 18th century. It was founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703–1792), who sought to purify Islam by returning Muslims to what he believed were the original principles of that religion, as practiced by the Prophet Muhammad and his earliest followers.

Wahhabism is characterized by a strict interpretation of the Quran and the Hadith (the recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). The movement calls for the elimination of practices it deems as innovations (bid'ah) in Islam, such as the veneration of saints, the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, and other practices that are not directly supported by the Quran and the Hadith.

The Wahhabi movement advocates for a literalist approach to Islamic law (Sharia) and often rejects any form of legal interpretation (ijtihad) that deviates from its strict principles. It also emphasizes the importance of tawhid (the oneness of God) and condemns many forms of what it considers to be shirk (associating partners with God), which can include practices like seeking intercession from saints or venerating religious relics.

The alliance between Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and Muhammad ibn Saud, the leader of the Al Saud family, in the 18th century, led to the establishment of the first Saudi state. This alliance combined religious reform with political power, and the Wahhabi movement became the religious foundation of the Saudi state. Wahhabism has since become the dominant form of Islam in Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi government has historically promoted Wahhabi doctrine both domestically and internationally through funding mosques, schools, and cultural centers.

The Wahhabi movement has been controversial within the broader Muslim world, with many Muslims rejecting its interpretations and methods. Critics argue that Wahhabism is overly rigid, intolerant of other Islamic traditions, and has contributed to the rise of extremist ideologies. However, its proponents believe that it represents a pure and unadulterated form of Islam that is faithful to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

Identify the Following Terms

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