Hayat al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab wa Haqiqat Dawatihi
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- Hayat al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab wa Haqiqat Dawatihi
Hayat al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab wa Haqiqat Dawatihi (The Life of Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and the Reality of His Call) is a historical and theological study authored by Sulayman al-Huqayl, examining the biography, teachings, and regional impact of the eighteenth-century reformer Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab alongside the political alliance with the House of Saud .
Background and Composition
The work originated as a master's thesis submitted by Sulayman ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Huqayl to Al-Azhar University in 1393 AH (1973–1974 CE) within the discipline of Islamic civilization and history . The author later revised and expanded the study with additional topics before publishing it, completing the author's preface in Riyadh in Dhu al-Qi'dah 1418 AH (1998 CE) . The published work includes a foreword written by Salih ibn Abd al-Aziz Al al-Sheikh, then Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da'wah, and Guidance, dated Shawwal 1419 AH (1999 CE) .
The stated objectives of the book are to articulate the foundations and goals of the Salafi movement, document the political support and protection provided by the Saudi rulers, refute prevailing polemics, and provide readers with documented arguments to counter misinformation about the movement's history and doctrine .
Structure and Contents
The book is structured into an introduction, four main chapters, and a conclusion:
- Chapter One: The Life of Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab examines the religious and political environment of the Islamic world and Najd prior to the movement . It covers the reformer's lineage in the Banu Tamim tribe, his upbringing in a prominent scholarly family, and his journeys in pursuit of knowledge . It details his early educational and reform activities in al-Uyaynah, his relocation to Diriyah, and his historic pact with Muhammad ibn Saud, concluding with biographical sketches of the first two rulers of the First Saudi State, Muhammad ibn Saud and Abd al-Aziz ibn Muhammad ibn Saud, as well as an overview of Ibn Abd al-Wahhab's major writings .
- Chapter Two: The Reality of the Call expounds the theological principles of the movement, maintaining that Ibn Abd al-Wahhab did not establish a new school of jurisprudence or theology, but sought to purify Islamic monotheism (tawhid) from idolatrous innovations (shirk) . It analyzes four key areas: the motivations behind opponents labeling the reform movement "Wahhabism," the doctrinal positions derived directly from his works and those of his followers, the overarching foundations of his teaching, and its intended societal and religious goals .
- Chapter Three: Misconceptions Surrounding the Call and Their Refutation outlines the nature, scope, and causes of regional and theological opposition to the movement . It reproduces historical polemical texts, including the complete letter sent by the contemporary opponent Sulayman ibn Suhaym to disparate regions to discredit the movement, followed by Ibn Abd al-Wahhab's textual rebuttal and responses from later scholars . The chapter dedicates detailed scrutiny to refuting two widespread allegations: the claim that the movement represents an offshoot of the Kharijites or an extension of the Ibadi leader Abd al-Wahhab ibn Abd al-Rahman ibn Rustam in North Africa, and the accusation that the movement practiced generalized or unwarranted excommunication (takfir) of Muslims .
- Chapter Four: Results and Effects of the Call surveys the outcomes and geographical expansion of the movement across Najd, the wider Arabian Peninsula, and parts of the broader Islamic world . It analyzes the causes behind its enduring influence and concludes with testimonies, defenses, and appraisals by external scholars and historians .
Answer updated