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The Life, Teachings and Influence of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
They [the opponents] accuse them [the “Wahhabis”] of horrendous
things that Allah knows never came from them. They claim that
they belittle the Messenger and do not make prayers upon him.
This [claim of theirs] is only because they [the “Wahhabis”] do not
go to an extreme, as they apply the Prophet’s statement, “Do not
overly praise me like the Christians overly praised the son of Mary.
I am only a servant. So say, ‘The servant of Allah and His
messenger.’” [Recorded by al-Bukhari.] Otherwise, they, with
praises being to Allah, are the greatest of the people in their love for
the Messenger, their following of him and the observing of his
rights. He is greatest in their eyes, such that they could never go
against his Sunnah or any of his statements simply in favor of some
false custom or erroneous analogy. Herein, they differ from many
of those who go beyond the bounds on either side of the proper
limits. Some go to an extreme in extolling him, such that they raise
him from the level of servitude to the position of godhood and
lordship. At the same time, they also go to the [opposite] extreme
with respect to following him, as they discard his Sunnah and do
not pay any attention to his statements. They contradict the clear,
authentic texts without any acceptable reason. In fact, they do not
stop there but they even blame those who are serious and exert
themselves to follow him, due to the false customs that they have
become used to following. As for the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allah be upon him), his rights are that he is assisted, respected,
followed in what he came with, followed in his steps, believed in
and that love for him should take precedence over love for one’s
family and wealth. As for worship, it is for Allah alone. No close
angel or sent prophet share with Him in that in any manner. 1
The Question of Declaring People Outside the Fold of Islam and
Fighting Against Them
The knowledge of issues of who or what falls within or outside
of the fold of Islam are of extreme importance for the spiritual health
of an individual Muslim as well as for that of a Muslim community.
Indeed, their consequences have great ramifications for both this life
and the Hereafter. Also, mistaken views concerning this issue can lead
to one of two extremes: the extreme of declaring Muslims to be non-
whole of creation being absorbed in him is like his grave’s encompassing of
him…”
1 Quoted by al-Abdul-Lateef, p. 104.