Wahhabi (epithet)

The term "Wahhabi" (Arabic: وهابي) is a contested and often pejorative epithet used to describe adherents of the Islamic revivalist and reformist movement originating in the 18th century with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. This movement sought to purify Islam by returning to what it considered the unadulterated practices of the first generations of Muslims (the salaf).

Those associated with the movement generally reject the term "Wahhabi" and prefer to be called Muwaḥḥidūn (unitarians), emphasizing their focus on tawhid (the indivisible oneness of God). They view the term "Wahhabi" as a derogatory label intended to associate them with a specific individual (Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab) rather than with the core principles of Islam.

The term "Wahhabi" is frequently used by critics to characterize the movement's perceived strict interpretation of Islamic law, its condemnation of practices such as the veneration of saints and shrines, and its historical association with the destruction of historical and religious sites. It is also often linked to accusations of intolerance, extremism, and violence, though such connections are heavily debated and often considered generalizations or misrepresentations.

The use of the term "Wahhabi" is highly politicized. Some scholars and commentators use it as a neutral descriptor, while others see its use as inherently biased. The appropriateness of the term remains a subject of ongoing discussion and debate. Understanding the historical context and the different perspectives surrounding its use is crucial when encountering the term.