Synopses & Reviews
Wahhabism has been generating controversy since it first emerged in Arabia in the 18th century. In the wake of September 11th instant theories have emerged that try to root Osama Bin Laden's attacks on Wahhabism. Muslim critics have dismissed this conservative interpretation of Islam that is the official creed of Saudi Arabia as an unorthodox innovation that manipulated a suggestible people to gain political influence. David Commins' book questions this assumption. He examines the debate on the nature of Wahhabism, and offers original findings on its ascendance in Saudi Arabia and spread throughout other parts of the Muslim world such as Afghanistan and Pakistan. He also assesses the challenge that radical militants within Saudi Arabia pose to the region, and draws conclusions which will concern all those who follow events in the Kingdom. The Wahhabi Mission and Saudi Arabia is essential reading for anyone interested in the Middle East and Islamic radicalism today.
Review
"The history of the Wahhabis' close, loyal alliance with the ancestors of the present Saudi royal family has been recounted in fascinating, and persuasive detail by David Commins. His conclusion is no less startling as it is important, that Wahhabi hegemony over regional religious culture is in jeopardy; its credibility debased, possibly no longer able to buttress the Saudi dynasty's legitimacy. Whatever their future, the story of the Wahhabis has been told with authority and clarity by Commins in this absorbing book." -- David Waines, Professor of Islamic Studies, Lancaster University
"David Commins careful, comprehensive and erudite account of Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia could not have come at a more opportune time. After so many tendentious and uninformed treatments of the subject in recent years, it is a pleasure to read a real historians account, based upon original Arabic sources. Everyone involved in the public debate about Saudi Arabias role in the Muslim world should read this book." -- F. Gregory Gause, University of Vermont
"David Commins work makes major contributions toward understanding the historical development of Wahhabism, particularly in the 19th century. His analysis of 19th century Wahhabi thought demonstrates the interplay between religion and politics during this critical time, setting the stage for the 20th century founding of the contemporary Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." --Natana J. Delong-Bas, Goergetown University, Author of Wahhabi Islam: From Revival and Reform to Global Jihad (I.B.Tauris)
Synopsis
This is a definitive and authoritative account of the conservative interpretation of Islam that is the official creed of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Wahhabism. Muslim critics have dismissed it as a heretical innovation that manipulated a backward people to gain political control. David Commins dismisses the cliches, examines the nature of Wahhabism, and offers original findings as to how Wahhabism rose to dominance in Arabia and projected its influence in the Muslim world. He also assesses the challenges that it faces from radical militants within the Kingdom.
About the Author
David Commins is Professor of History at Dickinson College. He was a visiting scholar at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh. He is the author of Islamic Reform: Politics and Change in Late Ottoman Syria (1990) and Historical Dictionary of Syria (2004).
Table of Contents
* Preface * Acknowledgements * Map of Arabia * Introduction * Islam Began as a Stranger and Will Return a Stranger * Holding Fast Against Idolatry * Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud and the Taming of Wahhabi Zeal * Wahhabism in a Modern State * The Wahhabi Mission and Islamic Revivalism * Challenges to Wahhabi Hegemony * Conclusion * Al al-Sheikh * Chronology * Glossary * Notes * Bibliography * Index *