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The Life, Teachings and Influence of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
that at the beginning Abdul-Wahhaab 1 was passionately fond of
reading about those who falsely claimed prophethood, such as the liar
Musailamah, Sajaah, al-Aswad al-Ansi, Tulaihah al-Asadi and their
likes.” 2 Dahlaan mentioned the same claim in his Khulaasah al-
Kalaam and al-Durar al-Sanniyyah fi al-Radd ala al-Wahaabiyyah,
stating, “It is apparent from Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab’s state
that he was to claim prophethood. However, he did not have the
ability to state that openly.” 3 Many others also made this claim. 4
The first issue, of course, is if this is something that he hid in
his heart, how can anyone make such a claim about him, unless, of
course, one claims knowledge of the unseen or claims to be a prophet
himself? Indeed, this claim completely casts doubt upon the one who
is making such a claim. Furthermore, what were the signs that ibn
Abdul-Wahhaab was making such a claim in person and action rather
than with his tongue? The authors mentioned above do not give any
such sign. In reality, Ibn Abdul-Wahhaab’s entire life and mission was
about returning to the Quran and to the Sunnah. He never, in any of
his words, claimed that his statements or position were above or equal
to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Indeed, as
noted in Chapter 2, he readily admitted that he was a human being,
prone to making mistakes and in need of the advice of the scholars
around him. The point was made earlier that his writings and the
writings of his descendents, students and followers are all available.
Therein there is no evidence whatsoever to support the claims of lies
and fabrications such as this one.
Finally, it is known about ibn Abdul-Wahhaab that he was
attracted to the books of Quranic commentary, hadith and so forth.
There is no record from any chronicler that he grew up reading about
or admiring the false prophets of old.
1 He says Abdul-Wahhaab rather than ibn Abdul-Wahhaab.
2 Quoted in al-Abdul-Lateef, pp. 82-83.
3 Quoted in al-Husain, p. 267; Umairah, vol. 2, p. 55; Yoosuf, vol. 2, p. 282.
4 See al-Abdul-Lateef, p. 83; Umairah, vol. 2, pp. 54-57. It would be lengthy to
record all the false claims concerning ibn Abdul-Wahhaab. Hence, only some
representative selections will be presented in this chapter.