Wahhabism and Salafism in Global Perspective

Type:

Book Chapter

Author:

Natana J. DeLong-Bas

Published:

2022

Publisher:

Oxford University Press

This chapter provides a comparative analysis of the commonalities, differences, and range of perspectives between and within Wahhabism and Salafism, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Wahhabism and Salafism are delineated as theological reformist (<italic>islah</italic>), creedal (ʿ<italic>aqida</italic>), political, and legal orientations united by a singular claimed methodology of scripturally centered interpretation rooted in <italic>tawhid</italic> and <italic>daʿwa</italic>, with outcomes ranging from personal expressions of meaning and modes of performativity, such as manner of dress, to social and/or political resistance (jihad), which may or may not include accusations of <italic>takfir</italic> and potentially violence. While certain broadly universal trends or markers can be identified as “Wahhabi” or “Salafi,” there remain particularities of ideas, concepts, and orientations that reflect local contexts and dynamics, including expanding women’s participation in the construction and transmission of religious knowledge, identity, and authority as <italic>daʿiyat</italic>. “Wahhabi” and “Salafi” are therefore best understood as categories of orientation with fluid boundaries, rather than fixed identities.

Türkçe sayfa →