What is Wahhabism? Where does it have the most influence?
Wahhabism is a fundamentalist and puritanical form of Islam that originated in the 18th century in Saudi Arabia. It follows a strict interpretation of Islamic scripture and rejects any traditions or practices not directly derived from the Quran and Hadith. This ideology is named after the founder Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, who formed an alliance with the powerful Saudi family Al Saud.
Wahhabism has a significant influence in Saudi Arabia, where it is the official form of Islam and dominates religious, political, and social life. It has also spread to other parts of the world through funding from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, as well as through the teachings of Wahhabi missionaries. This ideology has a strong presence in countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, and has gained a foothold in other parts of the Muslim world, including Pakistan and parts of Southeast Asia.