Wahhabism, a conservative and revivalist movement within Sunni Islam that originated in the 18th century in the Najd region of the Arabian Peninsula, founded by the theologian Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703–1792), characterized by a literalist interpretation of the Quran and Hadith, a strict adherence to the concept of Tawhid (the absolute oneness of God), the rejection of practices deemed as innovations (bid'ah) or polytheism (shirk), and a close historical and political alliance with the House of Saud that led to the establishment of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The word وہابیت is derived from the name of its founder, محمد بن عبدالوہاب, with the suffix "یت" indicating a doctrine, movement, or school of thought, and it is used in Urdu to describe this influential and often controversial Islamic reform movement that has shaped religious discourse, political dynamics, and social practices in the Muslim world, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula, since the 18th century. In Urdu usage, the term appears in various theological, historical, political, and social contexts where Islamic reform movements, religious orthodoxy, and the relationship between religion and state are discussed, reflecting the complex and often contentious nature of the movement's legacy and its impact on Muslim societies around the world. The term وہابیت is often used by critics and opponents of the movement, while adherents and sympathizers typically prefer the terms سلفی (Salafi) or موحدین (Muwahhidun), emphasizing their focus on the Salaf (pious predecessors) and the unity of God. In South Asian contexts, the term is frequently used in discussions of religious reform movements, sectarian dynamics, and the influence of Saudi religious and political influence on local Islamic practices and discourses.
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The term وہابیت represents one of the most significant, influential, and controversial concepts in modern Islamic religious, political, and social discourse, describing a reform movement that has profoundly shaped the religious landscape of the Muslim world since the 18th century. The movement, founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703–