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The Life, Teachings and Influence of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
“And argue not with the people of the Scripture, unless it be in (a
way) that is better, except with such of them as do wrong” (al-
Ankaboot 46).
One finds ibn Abdul-Wahhaab applying the teaching of these
verses. His letters and speeches to the commoners differed in their
language and style from that to the scholars. Furthermore, his style
with those who were his followers differed from that with his
obstinate opponents. When refuting the completely false allegations
against him, for example, he would use harsh words that would
remind his opponent of Allah and the sin that he is committing. In
writing about his opponent al-Muwais, ibn Abdul-Wahhaab stated,
“You have seen me calling him with gentleness and at the same time I
was patient in the face of grave things from him.” 1 After it became
clear to ibn Abdul-Wahhaab that al-Muwais was nothing more than an
arrogant, obstinate opponent to the truth, he changed his approach and
used much more deserving terms for al-Muwais. For example, once he
wrote about al-Muwais’ words, “[Words like that] could only come
from the most ignorant of people.” 2 On the other hand, when dealing
with those he felt were open to the truth, his words would be filled
with clear truths from the Quran and Sunnah and words of
encouragement to follow the truth.
Another aspect that one finds in the life of ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
is that he used whatever authority Allah had given him. This was
especially noticeable in al-Uyainah, where with the backing of the
ruler he was able to remove the sites of shirk, as well as after moving
to al-Diriyyah. He would use force when necessary and allowed by
Islamic Law to further remove falsehood and implement what is true.
Too many times people in authority do not use their authority in the
proper manner, in a way that is available to them. Perhaps they are
afraid of losing some of their popularity or being criticized and so
forth. However, no one should fear anyone more than he fears Allah.
Every Muslim should be most concerned with pleasing Allah even at
the expense of displeasing someone in this world.
1 Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab, Muallifaat, vol. 7, p. 141.
2 Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab, Muallifaat, vol. 7, p. 140.