Theopolitical Analysis of the Basic Thought Principles of Wahhabism

Wahhabism emerged in the mid-18th century in the Najd region of present-day Saudi Arabia, based on the teachings of Muhammad b. Abdul Wahhab. It was initially framed as a Salafi school of thought or a reform and revival movement, similar to other movements in Islamic history that aimed at reforming religious practice at various times and places. However, over time, Wahhabism became increasingly politicized and evolved into a distinct religious-political movement. The Wahhabi doctrine, originally conceived to purify what was seen as a corrupted understanding of Islam, gradually took on a political dimension under the influence of this political context, transforming Wahhabism into a religious-political movement. 

This study will examine how Wahhabism, which initially emerged as a revivalist discourse aiming to restore Islam to its purest form in response to perceived corruption of beliefs and religious practices among Muslims, developed a political character following its alliance with the Saudi family. It will explore how key principles of Wahhabi thought, such as tawhid (the oneness of God), obedience to the ruler (ulu’l emr), enjoining good and forbidding evil (emr-i bi’l ma’rûf ve nehy ‘ani’l münker), innovation (bid’at), and loyalty and disavowal (el-velâ’ ve’l-berâ’), contributed to this transformation. The study is based on the claim that the core principles of Wahhabism evolved into a theopolitical discourse over time, particularly in relation to this historical alliance. Within this framework, the study aims to demonstrate how these  foundational principles of Wahhabism transcended their purely religious meanings and acquired political implications over time. 

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