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MUSLIM WORLD in the 18^th century was, in one word, a mess. Muslims had strayed away not only from general Islamic teachings but also from the most fundamental tenet of Islam – worshiping Allah alone. Grave worship, superstition and veneration of saints had become rampant. The American Lothrop Stoddard, a non-Muslim, wrote about Islam in the 18^th century:

As for religion, it was as decadent as everything else. The austere monotheism of Muhammad [صلى الله عليه وسلم] had become overloaded with a rank growth of superstition and puerile mysticism. The mosques stood unfrequented and ruinous, deserted by the ignorant multitude which, decked out in amulets, charms and rosaries, listened to the squalid faqirs or dervishes and went on pilgrimage to the tombs of the “holy men” worshipped as saints and intercessors. As for the moral precepts of the Quran, they were ignored or defied. Even the holy cities were the holes of iniquity. In fact, the life had apparently gone out of Islam. Could Muhammad return to earth, he would unquestionably have anathematized his followers as apostates and idolaters.[i]

Then, just as the streak of dawn pierces through the darkness of night, Allah raised a man who lit a lamp, rather an inferno, that would illuminate the gloomy horizons of the Muslim world.

Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab At-Tameemi (1703-1792), the legendary Islamic scholar who needs no introduction, pulled off what none of his influential teachers could: he brought about one of the most massive reforms the Ummah has seen, and all from a small town near Riyadh.

Ibn Bishr noted, “[Ibn Abdul-Wahhab’s] excellence and virtues are too much to count and more famous than need be mentioned… It is enough for his virtues that as a result of him heresies were removed, the Muslims were united, the congregational prayers and Friday prayers were held, the religion was revived after it was lost and the roots of shirk were cut after they had been planted.”[ii]

In those days, religious knowledge had become restricted to the scholars. The masses were ignorant of the basics of faith. Ibn Abdul Wahhab taught the religion in simple words to simply everyone – common people and dedicated students. Ibn Bashir wrote:

“He taught tauheed [monotheism] to the young and the old while before it was just known to the elite. He gathered the people together in the prayers and lectures. He would ask about the foundations of Islam, the prerequisites of the prayers… He would teach these things to the young and old, to the literate and illiterate, while before only the elite would know them…”

The late Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Baz said, “Thus, the commoners among the Muslims and Bedouins began to know the foundations and fundamentals of the faith…”

The impact it had on the first Saudi state (1744-1818) was, in Maryam Jameelah’s words, as follows:

“Under the rule of Amir Muhammad ibn Saud, the way of life, beliefs and character of his people were completely transformed. Previously most of these people, even in the holy cities, were Muslims in no more than name... Now everyone was required to offer his prayers with the congregation, fast during Ramadan and pay their Zakat. Tobacco, silk and all other symbols of luxurious living were abolished. All un-Islamic taxes were annulled. For the first time in many centuries there was such peace and prosperity in the realm that the bedouin could sleep at night without any fear of their cattle and belongings being stolen. Even a black slave could bring his grievances before the ruler of the mightiest tribes and call him to account for his misdeeds. Sectarian conflicts ceased as the ulema of every recognized school of thought took turns in leading the congregational prayers.”[iii]

The transformation was taking place at a time when Muslims had nothing to be proud of even in the holy city of Makkah:

“Whole blocks of Mecca belonged to prostitutes, who even paid a tax on their occupation. Homosexuality was widespread. Alcohol was sold almost at the gate of the Kaaba and drunkenness was not uncommon.”[iv]

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raaji’oon.

After the fall of the first Saudi state and before King Abdul Aziz established the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 (known as the second Saudi state), chaos and anarchy dominated the region.

AbdusSalaam As-Sihiymee, associate professor at the Department of Islamic Jurisprudence, Islamic University of Madinah, noted:

"People still remember the days when security was disturbed; their wealth, life, and honor were not safe. But then the situation turned around after King Abdul Aziz and his sons after him came to power. Safety and security came along with assurance. Kidnapping, looting, and banditry ended. Crime became a thing of the past to the extent that people were almost unable to believe it. People near and far, enemies and friends, bore witness to what the rule of the Shariah achieved in our country, Saudi [Arabia], may Allah protect it."

The professor also quotes George Antonius, the Arab historian, as having said:

"We would not be exaggerating if we say that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has today obtained security and safety which has exceeded all of the countries of the world, and the most civilized states are not exempted from this."

The article only relates to the revival aspect of the Shariah. For further reading on Ibn Abdul Wahhab, the Saudi state and the controversies surrounding Wahhabism, refer to: The Life, Teachings and Influence of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab [PDF] by Jamal ad Din Zarabozo.

PART 8 | Impact of Shariah in Non-Muslim World will be published tomorrow (Friday) Insha Allah