What is Wahhabism? And where does it have the most influence?
Wahhabism, also known as Salafism, is a conservative and puritanical form of Sunni Islam that emerged in the 18th century in the Arabian Peninsula. It follows a strict interpretation of Islamic texts, emphasizing the literal and fundamentalist interpretation of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). Wahhabism advocates for a return to the early practices of Islam and opposes any form of innovation or interpretation.
The influence of Wahhabism is most prominent in Saudi Arabia, where it originated. Saudi Arabia has long been the guardian of Mecca and Medina, Islam's holiest cities, and the Saudi royal family has used the country's vast oil wealth to promote and export Wahhabi/Salafi ideology globally. The Saudi government has established institutions, invested in educational programs, and financed mosques and preachers around the world to disseminate Wahhabi teachings.
Apart from Saudi Arabia, Wahhabism has influence in countries like Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well. It has spread across the Arab world and gained followers in various other regions, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. The prominence of Wahhabism has often been criticized for promoting intolerance, extremism, and sectarian division within the broader Muslim community.