Indeed...

Indeed, the very word “revolution” is the best label for these kinds of movements. In reply to the question being posed, it must be said that the truth of the matter is that Wahhabism is merely a political movement that emerged within a religious-ideological framework, and it has brought about a particular social outcome. Of course, the final view must be expressed by social and political scientists.

Explanation of some points Wahhabism has been labeled with many various names among which is the appellation, ” Salafiyyah ”. This name is used because they believe that for the reformation of their religion and beliefs, the present Muslims must go back to the early period of Islam (” salaf ” means the past or preceding one). Ibn Taymiyyah has introduced the issue of ” salaf ” and his statements are a source of Wahhabi doctrines.

By “Wahhabism” it means that Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab must be followed in socio-political and religious issues because he has taught his followers the way to reform religion and society. The members of these two sects, Wahhabism and Salafism, are followers of the madhhab {school of thought} of Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

This group can also be called the ” Zahiriyyah ” because in interpreting the passages of the Qur'an and traditions, they content themselves with the outward { za hir} content of the texts. For example, when the Qur'an says: ﴿وَجَاءَ رَبُّك وَالْمَلَك صفًّا صفًّا﴾ And Your Lord and the angels arrive in ranks , [^3] They interpret it as saying that God will also arrive on the Day of Resurrection in such a way that the people can see Him!

This writing contains subjects that explain the above headings and expresses the Shi`ah Imami beliefs regarding those subjects. At any rate, I will try to make it simple, easy-to-read and devoid of complex reasoning. It is hoped that this work will be acceptable to God, the Exalted, and approved by Hadrat Sahib al-Amr {His Holiness Master of the Affair} (Imam al-Mahdi) ( 'a ).

Muhammad Husayn Ibrahimi Islamic Seminary of Qum 1379 AHS (Circa 2000) [^1]: In this volume, I have used the word “Shi‘ah” to refer to both the group (single collective unit) and the individuals constituting the group (plural). [Trans.] [^2]: The abbreviation, “‘a” stands for the Arabic invocative phrase, ‘alayhis-salam, ‘alayhimus-salam, or ‘alayhas-salam [may peace be upon him/them/her], which is used after the names of the prophets, angels, Imams from the Prophet’s progeny, and saints (‘a).

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