The Life, Teachings and Influence of Muhammad ... - IslamHouse.com

The Life, Teachings and Influence of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
Abdul-Wahhaab recognized this sad fact and set about to reform the
Nation.
In addition to the “educational background,” it is important to
be brought up in the correct spiritual framework. This is where one
dedicates himself to prayers, fasts, remembrance of Allah and so forth,
all in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allah be upon him). This will develop the proper ties with Allah
and the proper understanding of the reality of this creation. In turn,
this develops the trust in Allah, the patience, the courage and the
fortitude that is needed whenever an individual is attempting to bring
about change and struggle against popular but false beliefs and
practices. In the example of ibn Abdul-Wahhaab one can once again
see the importance of this type of upbringing. He never lost his faith in
Allah and his faith that Allah would support the members of this faith
when they adhered properly to it. Thus, when he was forced or had to
leave Basra, Huraimila and al-Uyainah, he did not flinch. He
recognized that such is part of the plan of Allah and, in return, the
servant must have the proper reliance in Allah and patience to be
blessed by Allah with complete victory.
Ibn Abdul-Wahhaab’s life demonstrates that the caller to the
true religion of Allah—who is fulfilling a role like all the previous
prophets—is bound to face great trials. These trials include both
psychological and physical threats to his well-being. Without the
proper spiritual and educational preparation, a person may not realize
that this is all part of the way of Allah and he may not realize what is
supposed to be his response. For example, instead of patience and
remaining steadfast within the limits of the Shareeah, he may seek
some shortcut solution that violates the Shareeah and brings about
greater harm than good. From early on, ibn Abdul-Wahhaab was faced
with such trials—from false claims being made against him, scholars
refuting his views all the way to threats on his life. However, that
never deterred him nor did it ever make him question his purpose and
goal. He took all of these in stride knowing that they were ways to
better himself, purify his own intention and strengthen the sincerity of
the followers as well.
This is an important point that cannot be overemphasized
today. Unfortunately, many Muslim parents are so concerned with the
future economic well-being of their child (and perhaps also their own
320