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The Life, Teachings and Influence of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
Note on the Use of the Words “Wahhabis” and “Wahhabism”
The followers of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab never used
the term “Wahhabis” or “Wahhabism” in referring to themselves or
their beliefs. In general, they would use terms like “the Muslims”, the
muwahhideen (“the monotheists”) and they would call their message,
“the call of true monotheism (tauheed),” “the religion of Islam,” “the
call of the Salaf” (referring to the early, pious generations of Muslims)
or just “the call.” 1 The muwahhideen was their favorite term to be
used for themselves, as a way of distinguishing themselves from other
Muslims who were involved in practices that strike at the root of true
monotheism. 2
It is very clear that ibn Abdul-Wahhaab was nothing more than
a follower of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him),
his Companions, the followers and some of the great scholars who
came later, such as Imam Ahmad, ibn Taimiyyah, ibn al-Qayyim, ibn
Katheer and others. However, to give ibn Abdul-Wahhaab a name that
would correctly represent his approach—such as salafi (meaning one
who follows the ways of the pious predecessors)—would not have met
the goal and purpose of those who came up with the name
“Wahhabi”. 3
1 In fact, speaking in reference to the 20 th Century, Muhammad Haamid al-Fiqi
stated that the people of Najd would never use the term “Wahhabi.” He said
that all of them, including their religious leaders, many of whom were
descendents of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab, would call themselves Najdis,
with respect to where they are from, and Hanbalis, with respect to their
religion and beliefs. Al-Fiqi is quoted in Dhaahir, p. 29.
2 Cf., al-Uthaimeen, al-Shaikh, p. 102. Al-Uthaimeen further notes that Winder,
in his book Saudi Arabia in the Nineteenth Century, says that when the
followers of ibn Abdul-Wahhaab would use the term, “the Muhammadan call,”
they are referring to Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab. Al-Uthaimeen says that
such is not correct. The term “the Muhammadan call” in the writings of the
followers of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab actually refers to the message of
the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
3 A number of authors stressed the point that it is wrong to call them Wahhabis
since that name would be derived from ibn Abdul-Wahhaab’s father’s name and
not his name. Al-Uthaimeen (al-Shaikh, p. 101) downplays this controversy and
states that it is actually no different from the term Hanbali, which is related to
the grandfather of Ahmad. It would not have been expected that they be called
“Muhammadans” as such would not set them apart from the rest of the
Muslims. However, at the same time, there were many, including Neibuhr, who