Wahhabism is a strict and fundamentalist interpretation of Islam that emerged in the 18th century. It is named after Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703–1792), an Arabian religious leader who sought to purify the practice of Islam by advocating for a return to what he considered the original teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad).
Wahhabism emphasizes a strict monotheism (Tawhid) and opposes practices that it views as idolatrous, such as the veneration of saints and the use of tombs in religious practices. It also promotes a conservative lifestyle and a rigid legal framework based on Islamic law (Sharia).
Wahhabism became associated with the establishment of the modern Saudi state in the early 20th century, as the Saudi ruling family aligned itself with Ibn Abd al-Wahhab's teachings to gain religious legitimacy. This relationship has led to the spread of Wahhabi ideas both within Saudi Arabia and internationally, especially through the funding of mosques and educational institutions.
Critics of Wahhabism argue that it promotes intolerance and extremism, while supporters claim that it provides a pure form of Islamic practice. The term "Wahhabi" can sometimes be used pejoratively to describe extremist groups, though not all fundamentalist Muslims identify with the label.