Award for Extended Project

Is Wahhabism responsible for the recent rise in terrorism?

Robert Charles McWhinnie 2011

Introduction................................................................................................................. 2 What is Wahhabism?................................................................................................ 4 Saudi Arabia A Wahhabi state .............................................................................. 5 Usamah bin Laden: a Saudi Wahhabi? .................................................................... 6 Alleged Wahhabi link to extremism and extremist claimants to Wahhabism....... 8 Do Wahhabis purport an extremist methodology or speak out against terrorism? 12 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 16 Appendix................................................................................................................... 17 1. Wahhabi scholars regarding terrorism ............................................................... 17 2. A brief word on Jihad ........................................................................................... 20 3. Interview with a Wahhabi .................................................................................. 22 Suggested websites ................................................................................................... 30 Bibliography ............................................................................................................. 31

Introduction
The world has watched in shock and horror the worrying rise in Islamic-based terrorist acts and the spread of extremist ideology. The aeroplanes slamming into the World Trade Centre in New York City was to change the political, economical, social and religious stability of the world, from London through to the far reaches of the Far East such as Indonesia.

Understandably, the first immediate reaction of the world was who has done this? Whoever is responsible must be brought to justice. Immediate suspicion was placed upon the one who bombed the World Trade Centre in the 90s: Usamah bin Laden. When it was discovered that 15 of the 19 hijackers were from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia the spiritual home of the religion of Islam and the homeland of Usamah bin Laden the Kingdom and its socio-religious system and its way of life were brought under critical scrutiny from the west. The media let loose a barrage of accusations and declarations of war upon Saudi Arabia, causing the public to become suspicious and angry towards them. The blame for the attacks and the consequential rise in terrorism and extremism was laid squarely upon the Islamic methodology which is the state religion and political system of Saudi Arabia: commonly referred to as Wahhabism. Since then, every act of terror by Muslim extremists is consequently linked to and blamed on the Wahhabi methodology:

Wahhabism continues to be stridently linked to Al-Qaeda; the Taliban Movement; the madrasas (religious schools) of Pakistan; the Sunni resistance in Iraq; the war in Chechnya; unrest in Dagestan; anti-government activism in Uzbekistan; multifarious attempted and successful bombings in Europe and elsewhere; the need for change in US foreign policy toward Saudi Arabia; the security threat posed by mosques in the US; and, review of the US armed forces chaplaincy policy.1

The alleged silence from those who adhered to this methodology regarding these terrorist acts and the fact that many of the extremist groups who affiliate themselves with Wahhabi titles and

The Wahhabis are coming, the Wahhabis are coming! M. Reza Pirbhai, assistant professor of history at Louisiana State University http://www.counterpunch.org/pirbhai10272007.html

rhetoric was enough to label the Wahhabis as solely responsible for the recent rise in terrorism and the spread of extremist ideologies.

What I intend to do is to establish the historical context of the Wahhabi movement and its modern-day context. Throughout the various media outlets, a wealth of information can be found which lays the blame of the recent rise in terrorism and extremism on the Wahhabi movement. I will analyse a few of these and take them into consideration, then investigate the Wahhabi response. I will also interview a British post-graduate student who is studying Islamic sciences in a Wahhabi university in Saudi Arabia for more of a knowledge-based response to the accusations of extremism made against Wahhabism.

It is only fair to present both sides to such a debate, and it seems the Wahhabis have not been allowed a platform to defend themselves. Given the state of fear that the western world is gripped in at the moment from Islamic extremism, it may prove to be a useful source of information and should hopefully give us all a better understanding of the topic from a nonbiased perspective. After analysing Wahhabi literature and its response with regards to the recent rise in terrorism, we will see if the impression that we, the public, are given is as accurate as we are all led to believe: that Wahhabism is violent, it is intolerant, and it is fanatical beyond measure Wahhabism is the most extreme form of Islamic fundamentalism2

Robert C. McWhinnie

Ground Zero and the Saudi Connection Stephen Schwartz http://www.spectator.co.uk/essays/all/9312/part_2/ground-zero-and-the-saudi-connection.thtml

What is Wahhabism?
In order to understand how this term Wahhabi came into being, and to understand the mentality of those who are adherers to the Wahhabi ideology and whether they can be linked to modernday extremism, it is important that we know what a Wahhabi is and where they come from. The Term Wahhabi was a term that originated with the Muslims. It goes back to the name of a famous Islamic scholar, a Shaykh, whose name was Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab. He was born in 1703AD in the town of Uyaynah in the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia.3 He noticed how many of the Muslims had moved away from the original teachings of Islam and had allowed a flood of innovated practices with regards to worship and religious teachings to become common practice. These innovated practices are called in Arabic Bidah4 and are considered a sin amongst Wahhabis. They preach a return back to the original acts of worship and religious practices as it was done so by the early ancestral Muslims5. However, this should not be confused with the accusation that Wahhabis oppose modernity and technological advancement and desire live as if in the dark ages. Rather, the Wahhabis strictly call for all acts of worship to be returned to its original monotheistic state and for Muslims to approach Islam whilst looking at the Muslims in the time of the Prophet for the best examples of how to be good Muslims. We interviewed Samir Debazzi, a post-graduate British student currently studying in the Wahhabi institute; The Islamic University of Madinah, based in the city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. We asked him: Question: It is said that Salafis are trying to go back in time and do not embrace modernity, is this not the case? Answer: This not the case at all, since the meaning of returning back to the way of the earlier generations means with respect to the practice and implementation of the religion, rather Muslims made great advances and contributions in many different fields,
was born in 1115H. This is the year he was born according to the Islamic lunar calendar, which coordinates with 1703AD. Kitab At-Tawhid Sheikh-ul-Islam Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab. Dar-us-Salam Publications. Riyadh Saudi Arabia 1996. Page 9 4 A Bidah literally means innovation. Any innovation with regards to religious affairs, such as specific acts of worship and general Islamic practices, is frowned upon by the Wahhabi Muslims 5 Known in Arabic as As-Salaf us-Saalih The Pious Predecessors. One who adheres to the religion as it was practiced by the Salaf (ancestors) refer to themselves as Salafi, and this is the more correct term as opposed to Wahhabi, which is considered an insult by the Salafi Muslims.
3

such as geography, physics, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, pharmacology, architecture, linguistics and astronomy. Algebra and the Arabic numerals were introduced to the world by Muslim scholars, including the zero. The Astrolabe, the Quadrant, and other navigational devices and maps were developed by Muslim scholars and played an important role in world progress, most notably in Europe's age of exploration.6

Many differing groups formed, all bringing with them new ideologies, beliefs, customs and practices, of which Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab and those who followed him, were opposed to. These groups labelled the followers of Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab: Wahhabis a mocking wordplay of the end of Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhabs name. These labellers oppose the Wahhabis as they felt that their alternative forms of worship and practices are Islamically correct.

Interestingly, the name Abdul-Wahhab literally means in English The servant of Al-Wahhab. It is common for Muslims to have as their name Abd... servant of then proceeded by one of the many names of God mentioned in the Quran, i.e. Allah, Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem etc. Al-Wahhab is also a name of God as mentioned in the Quran:

(They say): Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are Al-Wahhab (the Bestower).7

Some may question, that whilst they mock the name of Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab, do they not at the same time mock a name of God?

Saudi Arabia A Wahhabi state

Before I investigate whether Wahhabism is responsible for the recent rise in terror, I will show the connection between Wahhabi Islam and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

6 7

For the full interview, see the section 2 of the appendix: Interview with a Wahhabi The Noble Quran. Surah Al-Imran [3:8]

In 1740AD, after accepting the teachings of Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab, Prince Muhammad bin Saud granted him protection in the district of Diriyah, near modern-day Riyadh.8 This closeknit regal and religious alliance was the founding stone that helped to shape the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into a modern-day 21st century theocratic religious state. When the great grandson of Muhammad bin Saud Abdul-Aziz bin Abdur-Rahman Al-Saud along with other members of the House of Saud, recaptured the various regions of Arabia, they brought the tribes together under the patronage of the House of Saud. On September 23, 1932, the country was named the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an Islamic state, with Arabic designated as the national language and the Holy Quran as its constitution.9 With the historical allegiance between the ruler Muhammad bin Saud and the scholar Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab, the interpretation and understanding of Islam as it was propagated by Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab was now part of the national constitution and Saudi Arabia became a theocratic state: Its rules and regulations are governed by the Holy Quran and the Sunnah (teachings and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad).10 As a result, the complete political, educational and economical system of Saudi Arabia was established within the parameters set by the Islamic Law11

Usamah bin Laden: a Saudi Wahhabi?

Usamah bin Laden has been the poster boy for the alleged Wahhabi terrorists for many years. When we see those Muslims walking around our towns and cities whom adhere to Wahhabi Islam, some of us liken them Usamah bin Laden due to his Wahhabi appearance: long beard, long flowing white robes, a Saudi-style headscarf, or Shamagh. But is this a justifiable likeness for us to make? Being that much of the modern-day terrorism is connected in one form or another with Usamah bin Laden, we must ask the question, is he a Wahhabi?

The History of Saudi Arabia The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, London http://www.mofa.gov.sa/Detail.asp?InSectionID=1545&InNewsItemID=24408 9 Ibid 10 Government The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, London http://www.mofa.gov.sa/Detail.asp?InSectionID=1545&InNewsItemID=24409 11 Arabic: Shareeah

Usamah bin Laden was born in Saudi Arabia into a large family who were from Yemen (neighbouring country to the Kingdom). After moving to Saudi Arabia his father built the family into the richest non-royal family in Saudi Arabia by being contracted by the Saudi royal family with major national construction projects. Whilst attending a university in Jeddah, the international port of Saudi Arabia, bin Laden was educated by dissenting radical extremist teachers.12 From here he was involved financially in funding the Muslim fighters in Afghanistan to fight off the Soviets and eventually saw a little combat himself. As we are all aware, this led to his destructive path of extremism. Saudi Arabia in due course revoked his citizenship.

Because bin Laden was born and raised in a Wahhabi country like Saudi Arabia, it is assumed that he is a Wahhabi also.13 However, as mentioned before Usamah bin Laden is not a Saudi by birth. He was born and grew up a Yemeni and although they are Arabs, the Yemenis do not hold a strong social status amongst the Saudis. So bin Laden may never have really felt an affiliation to Saudi Arabia from a nationalistic perspective, thus nullifying the repeated emphasis that he is a Saudi Arabian.

According to Haneef James Oliver, Usamah bin Ladens family hailed from a region in Yemen (Hadramout) which is known to be the spiritual home for the Muslim group: the Sufis.14 The Sufis are in the complete opposite to the Wahhabis and the Wahhabis have vast amounts of literature which attack the Sufis on the basis that they have many innovated forms of worship15. Any Muslim who adheres to the Wahhabi or Salafi methodology of Islam takes great pains in differentiating with regards to matters of creed: from what acts of worship and practices are authentically confirmed in the ancient texts to what is a newly invented Bidah, and warning against that. This is not the case with Usamah bin Laden as he has been documented as praising acts of worship which are a Sufi practice, and speaking of the act as if it were acceptable16. This is something that a Wahhabi would never do.

The Most Wanted Man is Back Lisa Beyer http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101010924/wosama.html Osama Bin Laden, named by US officials as the main suspect for the 11 September against America, is Saudi born and a Wahhabi. From the article Analysis: Inside Wahhabi Islam by Roger Hardy http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1571144.stm 14 The Wahhabi Myth Haneef James Oliver. Page 15 15 See page 4 for information on innovation: Bidah 16 Ibid, page 17
13

12

The close ties that he has with the Taliban are also something that devoted Wahhabis would not hold on to. Unfortunately the Taliban have also been labelled as Wahhabis by critics and reporters, such as Adrian Pabst17. This information couldnt be more incorrect. The Taliban are from the strict Deobandi branch of Sufism18, and are at very harsh odds with the Wahhabis in issues of creed and worship, such as saintly intercession between man and God, and ritual acts of worship around the graves of holy. This fundamental difference with regards to the religious practices of the Sufis is held to be extremely sacrilegious to adherers of Wahhabism.

Cooperation, friendship and protection between a Deobandi Sufi and a Wahhabi would be a paradox, thus Usamah bin Laden cannot essentially be a Wahhabi. During his time in Afghanistan and the partnership that existed between him and the Taliban, there has been no evidence to suggest that he has called the Taliban or his followers to the monotheistic creed19 which is accredited to Wahhabism. Rather, his rhetoric and practices have revolved around the subjects: combat and revolution. In fact, all extremist groups and terrorists have the same message as Usamah bin Laden: to revolt against the alleged corrupt Muslim rulers, to expel nonMuslims from the Muslim lands and to wage war against those countries that fight wars against the Muslims (such as the wars fought in Iraq, Chechnya and Afghanistan in recent times).

Alleged Wahhabi link to extremism and extremist claimants to Wahhabism

After searching through online records and newspapers whilst investigating recent activities related to extremism and terrorism, it became very apparent that there is now modern trend of Wahhabism being synonymous with extremist ideologies and actions. This is also coupled with the fact that there are some hardliner or terrorist groups, organisations and individuals who are also claiming to be Wahhabis and/or using Wahhabi/Salafi terminologies and rhetoric.

17

He said: most Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan have embraced the puritanical and fundamentalist Islam of the Wahhabi mullahs from Saudi Arabia who wage a ruthless war not just against western infidels but also against fellow Muslims they consider to be apostates, in particular the Sufis. from the report Pakistan must confront Wahhabism Adrian Pabst http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2009/aug/20/pakistanwahhabi-islam-sufi-terrorism 18 Analysis: Inside Wahhabi Islam Roger Hardy http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1571144.stm 19 Monotheistic creed belief in the complete worship of one God: known in the original Arabic as Tawheed

In retrospect, extremists claiming to be Wahhabis were a rarity and these so-called extremist Wahhabi groups that we hear of today have roots that go back to other groups and individuals who were (and still are in some aspects) in direct ideological, sometimes physical warfare with the Wahhabis. It has been suggested that this recent phenomenon of extremists affiliating themselves with Wahhabi/Salafi titles and using Wahhabi literature to justify their actions and ideologies became more widespread after Muslim fighters fought a bloody 13 year war in Afghanistan20.

most scholars date the ascendancy of militancy within the wider Salafi community to the war of resistance against the soviet occupation of Afghanistan during the 1980s. Congressional Research Service21

At the time of the Jihad against the Soviets, Muslims from around the world who aspired to defend the liberty and religion of their fellow Muslims in Afghanistan from the Communists were encouraged by both Muslim and Western democratic countries to go to Afghanistan to become a part of the resistance against the Soviets. At the time the Muslim guerrilla fighters were deemed by the West to be freedom fighters, as they were meeting the Western agenda to defeat Communism and thus provided funding and training for the guerrilla fighters. President Ronald Reagan himself said, To watch the courageous Afghan freedom fighters battle modern arsenals with simple hand-held weapons is an inspiration to those who love freedom.22 However, after the Soviets retreated and the Communist regime were ousted, many of the different factions of the Mujahideen (Muslim soldiers) who had a variety of conflicting theological practices and political goals turned on each other and created a civil war, which lasted until the Taliban regime took control.

A contributor to the Jihad against the Soviets was Saudi Arabia. They provided volunteers, training, funding and religious instruction via scholars and teachers throughout. Usamah bin
(1979 1989) to repel the Soviet Union and the further civil war to expel the Afghan Communist regime (1989 1992). 21 Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report The Islamic Traditions of Wahhabism and Salafyya Christopher M Blanchard http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/81366.pdf 22 Message on the Observance of Afghanistan Day March 23rd 1983 President Ronald Reagan http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1983/32183e.htm.
20

Laden controlled a particular faction which was all Arab and received funding from Saudi Arabia and indirect funding from the United States23. This could have been what propelled some fighters to become aware of Wahhabi tendencies and practices, and were more than likely attracted by authenticity of the Wahhabi methodology and how it returns all affairs back to the scriptures for validation. However, when civil war broke out, many factions formed a united front in order to annihilate the Wahhabi factions.

It was from here many fighters left and went to enlist in further battles such as Bosnia, Chechnya etc. Usamah bin Laden remained close with his particular faction, and formed what is known as Al-Qaeda which started as a database of fighters. However, having returned home after many years of war and many of them being treated with suspicion and hostility from their own governments, were left feeling disenfranchised by the influence of the West throughout Muslim lands. They became emotional and angry towards their countries and begun to take on board teachings from speakers and teachers who catered for their anger.

A new breed of terrorists who were gowned in the garments of the Wahhabis started to emerge. They would use the works of traditional Islamic scholars of which the Wahhabis also used, but entirely out of context, and combine that with the works of so-called revolutionary writers which catered for much of the dissatisfaction of Muslims worldwide, regarding their poor social footing in a global sense, in order to gain the support of normally law abiding Muslims throughout the world.

From these revolutionary writers, those who were more prominent was an Egyptian by the name of Sayyid Qutb, his mentor Hassan Al-Banna and their spiritual leader Sayd Abu Ala Maududi who was Pakistani. These individuals would go on to build the foundations of Ikhwan ul-Muslimeen (The Muslim Brotherhood) which was a political, revolutionary group who propagated that salvations lies in the removal of the current rulers and monarchs of the Muslim lands and replacing them with rulers who adhered to the Islamic system of rule24. This removal consisted of Communist-style revolutions, overthrowing governments and the assassination of

23 24

Although this is a subject of much dispute. Arabic: Khilaafah

10

the rulers as well as anyone who opposed them. Due to his dangerous political ideology and after the attempted assassination of the second president of Egypt General Gamal Abdul Nassir, Qutb was executed and proclaimed as a martyr by his supporters. Eventually his continuing and growing ideology led to the assassination of the third President, Anwar Al-Sadat.

It is in the works of Sayyid Qutb and Hassan Al-Banna that the true seeds of modern-day extremism can be found. Wahhabi scholars and organisations worldwide have published and distributed countless numbers of works exposing Qutb and Al-Banna and how their dangerous and deviated works are alien to the essence of Islam, yet due to the deviations of the likes of Usamah bin Laden, Hamza The Hook Al-Misri25, Abdullah The Jamaican Faisal26, Anwar Al-Awlaki27, Umar Bakri The Tottenham Ayatollah Muhammad28 and many others, Wahhabism has now become synonymous with Qutbism. This is a case of extremist Qutbists coming adorned in the gowns of Wahhabism in order to gain more mainstream support from the generally unaware masses who do not have the knowledge or ability to differentiate between the two opposing ideologies, thus provoking emotional responses and anger amongst them towards governments, rulers and the West.

Throughout the media, Sayyid Qutb is claimed to be a leading Islamic Wahhabi/Salafi scholar and there seems to be a lack of distinction between Sayyid Qutb and the mainstream Wahhabi scholars, leading one to believe that Sayyid Qutb and the extremists hordes are Wahhabi/Salafi.29

Mustafa Kamel Mustafa. Born in Egypt in 1958 and claims to have his left eye permanently damaged, as well as his arms and other injuries clearing mines in Afghanistan. Former head of Finsbury Park Mosque and the group Supporters of Shariah. Currently in prison for instigation of acts of terrorism. 26 Trevor William Forest. Born in Jamaica 1968. A Muslim convert and self-appointed Shaykh. Spent many years in the UK inciting hatred and terrorism to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Served a prison sentence for soliciting murder, and was deported to Jamaica upon release in 2008. 27 Born in Mexico 1971 to an Arab family. Soon became a religious leader in adulthood and was heavily influenced by extremist leaders and by the writings of Sayyid Qutb (see page 15). Continues to justify the removal of rulers of Muslim countries with as much bloodshed as possible. 28 Umar Bakri Fustuq. Born in Syria1958. The head of the outlawed groups Al-Muhajiroun, Al-Ghurabaa and Islam4UK. Left the country in 2006 for Lebanon after rumours surfaced he could be prosecuted for serious crimes. His British citizenship was revoked by the then British Home Secretary Charles Clarke. Currently held by Lebanese authorities who wish to hand him a life sentence on terrorism charges. 29 ...Sayyid Qutb, the most important Salafi thinker of the past half-century and a popular author in the Muslim world even today, nearly 40 years after his death. Gods and Monster Michael Scott Dolan. The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2001/dec/08/artsandhumanities.highereducation?INTCMP=SRCH

25

11

In the book The Rise of Jihadist Extremism in the West we find this said about Sayyid Qutb:

Sayyid Qutb: The Chief Jihadist Ideologue Sayyid Qutb is the most important figurehead of the modern-day extremist-Jihadist global movement. No one has influenced the Jihadist methodology and revolutionary ideology over the last century more than Qutb, so much so that religious academics, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, have labelled this Jihadist phenomenon as Qutbism. From the Algerian FIS and GIA to Hamas and Islamic Jihad; from al-Muhajiroun to Al-Qaeda and the Iraqi insurgency, all have been directly influenced by the writings and teachings of Sayyid Qutb; the same applies to Abu Qatadah, Abu Hamza, Anwar al-Awlaki, Abdullah Faisal, Ibn Laden and Az-Zawarihi.30

Do Wahhabis purport an extremist methodology or speak out against terrorism?

The short answer is no, they do not purport an extremist methodology and the highly regarded Islamic Wahhabi scholars (including the great grandchildren of Shaykh Muhammad bin AbdulWahhab whom teach in Saudi Arabia today) have time and again strenuously warned against terrorism and acts of extremism. Whilst the Wahhabis do not shy away from the fact that the Jihad, as it is understood in the scriptures, are a part of the religion of Islam, they make it very clear that it takes different forms, and the Jihad that requires fighting or combat is legislated in specific times and places (such as in self-defence) and even that is also heavily regulated31. It certainly does not consist of killing non-combatants, women, children, livestock, crops, treachery and suicide bombings! Just like you find in most countries, throughout periods of time and civilisations, the Islamic state also aims to have a military wing which defends its borders and people.

I will now present some statements from various Wahhabi scholars in summary, in order to show that the reality of the Wahhabi approach to terrorism is in actuality a direct ideological attack on all those who condone or partake in terrorism and extremism rather than being a cause

30 31

The Rise of Jihadist Extremism in the West Salafi Publications, p.24 25 See Appendix: A brief word on Jihad

12

for the recent rise in terrorism. The book published by Salafi Publications: Islamic Condemnation of Terrorists, Hijackers & Suicide Bombers contains various articles and statements from various major scholars whom all Wahhabis regard highly, from all the leading Wahhabi scholars of the Middle East to the average layman on the streets of London.

All Wahhabis look up to with the greatest amount of respect and humbleness to these two specific scholars whose statements I have analysed regarding this topic. They are Shaykh AbdulAzeez bin Baz and Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen. If the accusations that Wahhabis are responsible for the recent rise in terrorism are to be true, then these two highly regarded leading figureheads of the modern-day Wahhabi movement will demonstrate this in their teachings and interpretations of the scriptures of Islam.32

What we find from the Shaykh, Abdul-Azeez bin Baz, whom was the former leading cleric, Mufti, of Saudi Arabia and died 13th May 1999, is that he was staunchly and strenuously opposed to all acts of terror, murder, extremism and suicide missions! He advised Muslims worldwide not to co-operate with such criminals, nor communicate with them, rather, they are to be cut off and warned against their evil. In fact, Shaykh bin Baz regards such terrorists as brothers of the Devils!

While the UK was granting refuge to known terrorist and extremist agitators in the 90s, Shaykh bin Baz addressed the danger of Usamah bin Laden, his supporters (some of whom were in the UK) and the corruption they were spreading throughout. He regarded the call of bin Laden as corrupt and misguided and bin Laden and his ilk are deemed as callers to great evil and immense corruption and the general masses are advised to warn and destroy their publications and to not co-operate with them in anything. Bin Baz finally advises bin Laden and his like to leave alone this disastrous path, and to fear Allaah and to beware of His revenge

As for the common practice of terrorists to hijack airplanes, kidnappings and bombings, then Shaykh bin Baz said that such acts are extreme great crimes, the world over and advises

32

For full statements and quotations, see the appendix Wahhabi scholars regarding terrorism

13

governments and those responsible from amongst the scholars and other than them to exert themselves as much as possible in ending this evil.

The other leading scholar from the Wahhabi methodology, the Shaykh, Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, also demonstrates that terrorism is totally unrelated to the Wahhabis. With regards to suicide bombings, then his opinion was that those who tie explosives to themselves is neither a hero or a martyr, but a criminal who has committed an atrocity by way of committing suicide, so whoever commits suicide then he will be considered eternally to Hell-Fire. Shaykh Al-Uthaymeen comes to the conclusion that these explosive acts of suicide where a handful of people die usually women and children will probably make the enemy more determined, and this action will provoke malice and bitterness to such an extent that he may seek to wreak havoc upon the Muslims. Shaykh Al-Uthaymeen expands upon this and demonstrates that when one Palestinian blows himself up and kills six or seven people, then in retaliation they [the Israelis] take sixty or more. The Shaykh emphasises that the one who becomes a suicide bomber has in fact wrongfully committed suicide this person is not a martyr.

Shaykh Al-Uthaymeen also speaks of the typical heinous act of attacking the enemy via blowing themselves up in a car, of which the Shaykh also regards as simply an act of suicide and not a form of martyrdom in any way, shape or form. Regarding these people blowing themselves up, the Shaykh refers the Holy Quran and says:

And from that which is surprising, is that these people kill themselves despite Allaah having forbidden this, as He says:

And do not kill yourselves. Surely Allaah is Most Merciful to you Surah an-Nisa [4]:59

The Shaykh explains that such people have complete disregard for what is allowed and forbidden in the Islamic legislation regarding fighting and combat. These people who commit such terrorist acts do not desire anything except revenge of the enemy, by whatever means, and all of this in order to satisfy their thirst for revenge.

14

The common act of these so-called Wahhabi extremist groups such as those we see in the media gathering at the places where British soldiers are returning from war to parade in town centres, chanting slogans, curses and carrying placards with statements which are disrespectful to the soldiers and the British public, is a complete contrast to what this eminent Wahhabi scholar advises the Muslims living in non-Muslim lands. Shaykh Al-Uthaymeen advises the Muslims to have respect and courtesy towards the non-Muslims when residing in their lands for there is an agreement between you and them. For the non-Muslim lands, such as the UK and US could choose to persecute or expel the Muslims from their lands, So preserve this agreement, and do not prove treacherous to it, since treachery is a sign of the hypocrites, and it is not from the way of the believers. The Shaykh uses scriptural evidence from a reported statement of the Prophet Muhammad to highlight the great crime of killing someone of which you have an agreement with (such as the July 7th bombings in London, 2005, and the September 11th attacks in New York, 2001): the Prophet said: Whoever kills one who is under an agreement of protection will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.

Shaykh Al-Uthaymeen concludes that the claim of the extremists that the blood and wealth of the non-Muslims is lawful to take by way of force and murder, is a lie. A lie about Allaahs religion, and a lie in Islamic societies.

The opinions and statements made by these two individuals can be generalised to all those who adhere to the Salafi/Wahhabi methodology, for these two scholars are highly regarded and referred to and will continue to be so for many years to come. What they have expressed and advised with regards to terrorism is far from the accusations of those who oppose them. The Wahhabi approach to terrorism and extremism is far from the claim that they are responsible of the rise in terrorism.

The fact that these two enormous figures in the Muslim world passed away before the major terrorist atrocities that have occurred since September 2001, but there words are still applicable and referenced frequently by Wahhabis worldwide, including Saudi Arabia on a governmental scale. The Wahhabis are free from the accusations of terror and extremism.

15

Conclusion
Whether it is wilful arrogance, or innocent ignorance, I find it highly unsettling that the Wahhabis en masse are being labelled and blamed for acts of extremism and terrorism when the true position of those who are genuinely Wahhabi in every sense of the word are only a simple click away on the internet. There is no doubt that there are those extremist elements, as I mentioned previously who are trying to hijack the Salafi/Wahhabi methodology to gain support from the unaware and disenfranchised mass of Muslims throughout the world. But as much as these extremists attempt to claim to be Salafi/Wahhabi, time and again their false claims are severely refuted by the true Salafi/Wahhabis. Yet, these facts are ignored by the mass media, and the more the Wahhabis attempt to free themselves from atrocities, there are those, such as Stephen Schwartz, who are given precedence in the media to speak as an expert on the Wahhabis and slander them with statements such as Not all Muslims are suicide bombers, but all Muslim suicide bombers are Wahhabis33. Taking a sweeping, slanderous statement such as this, and comparing it to the true position of the most prominent of Wahhabi scholars this age has seen (Shaykh bin Baz and Shaykh Al-Uthaymeen), one should be able to easily ascertain that there is certainly an underlining hatred and rejection of the Wahhabi methodology.

Is it fair that the Wahhabis are not given the platform to defend themselves in the face of such a torrent of accusations? Is it fair that whenever a matter arises regarding Islam and the Muslims, the first place that the mass media will go to for the Islamist perspective is either the hatespouting extremists, or those Muslims who sacrifice much from their religion in the name of integration and public image?

Is it fair that Wahhabis up and down the country feel like this tolerant country has gone back in time forty years, and again we are beginning to see and hear racist, arrogant and bigoted attitudes beginning to solidify with a good helping of an official public pardon from the mass media? Reports of Muslim women being attacked with baseball bats for wearing the Hijab, mothers and their children having bottles of beer thrown over them, Mosques being firebombed and its attendees being attacked going to and leaving from worship. Face veils which have been
33

Ground Zero and the Saudi Connection Stephen Schwartz http://www.spectator.co.uk/essays/all/9312/part_2/ground-zero-and-the-saudi-connection.thtml

16

worn by many Muslim women for decades are suddenly now a major social barrier issue and should be banned. Men, women and children up and down the country being laughed at, spat upon, mocked, attacked, jeered, sneered, rejected and refused, because it so happens a very small, extreme idiotic few whom resemble the Wahhabis in appearance happen to look like them?

Over the past few months of research, I have come across a number of Wahhabi organisations both here in the UK and internationally (with the organisation Salafi Publications who are based in Birmingham, UK, being the more prominent both here and internationally) whom have a vast wealth of information and clarification on the true Islamic stance regarding terrorism (as well as many other matters relating to Islam and common misconceptions). I find it entirely surprising and saddening that in this day and age despite the great advances that we have made in technology, access to information and educational development, we still, generally as a nation, choose to forget all that, and simply point the finger at those who we think are the criminals, and persecute them regardless of what they say.

I only hope that this minute effort I have made in preparing this paper will help to raise some level of awareness in those who read this.

Appendix 1. Wahhabi scholars regarding terrorism

Shaykh Abdul-Azeez bin Baz Former Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (died 13th May 1999)
On terrorists and their groups: they are not to be co-operated with, nor are they to be given salutations [N.B. the Islamic greeting of As-Salaamu alaykum peace be onto you]. Rather, they are to be cut off from, and the people are to be warned against their evil. Since they are a tribulation and are harmful to the Muslims, and they are the brothers of the Devils!

17

On the bombings in Riyadh in the 90s:

You will not find anyone who believes in Allaah or the Last Day, with correct and sound faith, performing this criminal, vile act due to which harm and corruption has occurred. Only vile souls which are filled with enmity, jealousy, evil, corruption and absence of faith in Allaah and His Messenger can perform the likes of these acts. those who perform the likes of this are more deserving of being killed and being restrained on account of what they have committed of great sin.

On Usamah bin Laden:

whomsoever resembles them have established now from the spreading of corrupt and misguided calls, then there is without a doubt a great evil. And they are callers to great evil and immense corruption. So the obligation is to warn against their publications and to eliminate them and to annihilate them. One must not co-operate with them in anything calling to corruption, evil, falsehood and fitan (trials), because Allaah has commanded co-operation upon righteousness and piety, not upon corruption and evil, nor upon spreading lies, nor upon false calls that cause division and break the trust So my advice Ibn Laadin and all those who traverse their way is to leave alone this disastrous path, and to fear Allaah and to beware of His revenge and His anger

On hijacking planes, kidnappings and bombings

From that which is known to everyone who has the slightest bit of common sense is that hijacking airplanes and kidnapping children and the like are extremely great crimes, the world over. There is no doubt about the effect of these crimes; so it is obligatory upon the governments and those responsible from amongst the scholars and other than them to afford these issues great concern, and to exert themselves as much as possible in ending this evil.

18

Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen (died January 5th 2001)

On suicide bombings as for what some people do tying explosives to themselves and then approaching unbelievers and detonating amongst them, then this is a case of suicide So whoever commits suicide then he will be considered eternally to Hell-Fire if he kills himself along with ten, or a hundred, or two hundred people, then Islaam will not benefit by that, since the people will not accept Islaam Rather it will probably just make the enemy more determined, and this action will provoke malice and bitterness to such an extent that he may seek to wreak havoc upon the Muslims. when one Palestinian blows himself up and kills six or seven people, then in retaliation they take sixty or more. those people who perform these suicide (bombings) have wrongfully committed suicide this person is not a martyr.

Attacking the enemy by blowing up cars

this type of suicide is well known and widespread amongst the people And from that which is surprising, is that these people kill themselves despite Allaah having forbidden this, as He says: And do not kill yourselves. Surely Allaah is Most Merciful to you Surah an-Nisa [4]:59

And many amongst them do not desire anything except revenge of the enemy, by whatever means, be it halal (permissible) or haraam (impermissible). So they only want to satisfy their thirst for revenge.

Dealing with non-Muslims and living in non-Muslim lands

Likewise I invite you to have respect for those people who have the right they should be respected, from those between you (meaning Muslims) and whom there is an agreement (of protection) [i.e. non-Muslims]. For the land you are living in is such that there is an agreement between you and them. If this were not the case they would have killed you and expelled you. So

19

preserve this agreement, and do not prove treacherous to it, since treachery is a sign of the hypocrites, and it is not from the way of the believers. And know that it is authentically reported from the Prophet that he said; Whoever kills one who is under an agreement of protection will not smell the fragrance of Paradise. Do not be fooled by those sayings of the foolish people: those who say: Those people are nonMuslims. So their wealth is lawful for us [i.e. to misappropriate or take by way of murdering and killing]. For by Allaah this is a lie. A lie about Allaahs religion, and a lie in Islamic societies. O my brother Muslims! O youth! Be true in our sayings with your brothers, and with those nonMuslims whom you live along with

2. A brief word on Jihad

Modern-day Muslim terrorists claim that they are waging a Jihad against the non-Muslims, so it is important to clarify the use and terminology of the word Jihad. While Jihad does mean at times holy war, both Muslims and non-Muslims alike forget, neglect or just do not realise that Jihad can have a variety of meanings and it is more linguistically correct to translate Jihad as to struggle. Being an Arabic word, the construct of the word has a root form, and it goes back to the root verb Jahada. Looking in an Arabic-English dictionary I am told to go to the word Ijtahada to know what Jahada means:

To strive, endeavour, try hard, make every effort, attempt strenuously, take pains; to be or become diligent, sedulous, assiduous, hardworking, industrious; to strain, exert oneself, put oneself out, work (too) hard.34

So Jihad is regarded as something that is fought by Muslims throughout their lives, firstly against themselves and their own desire to sin and commit acts such as lying or adultery which

34

Al-Mawrid Arabic-English Dictionary. p.38

20

are frowned upon in Islam. When one goes out to work, to strive, to feed the family, this is also regarded as a Jihad. Ultimately, when a Muslim is in the ranks of a Muslim Army under legitimate leadership, or one has had his land invaded by oppressive or enemy forces, or is defending himself when attacked on the street, when fighting in such situations this is regarded as one of the highest forms of Jihad (the other being calling the people to worship God Almighty). With this form of Jihad there are a series of rules and regulations which must be adhered to in order for it to be an accepted legitimate Jihad. For example, the Prophet Muhammad used to advise the Muslims before entering into any battle,

Proceed in the Name of Allah and for Allah and upon the Religion of Allahs Messenger: Do not kill the very old or a child or a woman and do not press heavily by exceeding the limits. Collect the (war) booty, reconcile, and do good as Allah loves the good doers.35

There are other similar rulings found in the ancient texts that rule that trees must not be cut down, animals must not be killed, agriculture must not be destroyed, those who are prisoners of war must not be chained or shackled. They must be clothed with your clothes and fed from the same plate as you. Any combatant who asks for mercy or surrenders on the battlefield must be cared for, looked after and protected. The places of worship such as churches or synagogues and its worshippers must be left alone and protected. At the time of battle, the battle must be accurate and swift, with the forbiddance of torture or prolonged excessive pain (such as what you see taking place in modern-day combat zones, where extremists will slowly and mercilessly cut off the heads of their murder victims, including non-combatants and women!)

This is in stark contrast to what we hear in the media as to what has taken place in Iraq, Afghanistan, New York City, London, Morocco, Algeria, Madrid, Pakistan, India, Palestine, Indonesia and anywhere else that these terrorists have committed atrocities. The majority of the time the victims are women and children who are killed indiscriminately, people who may actually be sympathetic to the plight of Iraqi children or Palestinians, people who have never taken up arms against any Muslim and may never in their lifetime.
35

Jihad in the Quran and Sunnah Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad Humaid, p.37-38

21

3. Interview with a Wahhabi

Could you tell us a little about yourself, i.e. your name, where do you come from, and how long have you been a Wahhabi/Salafi for?

My name is Samir Debbazi. I come from England. I have been a Salafi for about 12 years ago.

Are you or your family converts to Islam?

My father was born and raised a Muslim. My mother is a convert; she converted about 30 years

In your view, where does the term Wahhabi come from and is it deemed offensive?

The word Wahhabism is in fact nothing but a meaningless appellation which is used by people in two cases: The term Wahhabism is often used to describe those who closely stick to the verses of the Quran and the narrations of the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) in all religious affairs. Consequently, instead of directly attacking Islam for those things that do not appeal to their desires, they call anyone who follows these texts Wahhabis.

Another different and contemporary usage has appeared for this term. Anybody who belongs to any of the current Qutbist type groups or movements that call for political overthrows, endless blind purported Jihads which are based upon principles other than those found in Islam and led by people who have no knowledge based background in Islamic scholarship, are entered into a giant umbrella group called Wahhabism. This is done even though these are followers of Sayyid Qutb despise the Salafi/Wahhabi scholars and their creed.

Hence, in the first case, Wahhabism is used to mean anything I don't like about Islam, and in the second case, anything I don't like about what the contemporary Qutbist movements do; things that have no basis in Islam.

22

 Yes

Would it be more respectful to refer to those of the Wahhabi methodology as Salafi?

What exactly is the Salafi/Wahhabi way and what distinguishes it from more allegedly moderate groups such as the Sufis?

The correct way of referring to them is by terming them Salafis, as they are those who adhere to the way of the Salaf - the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) and his companions.

Following the way of the Salaf is the way which has been legislated in the Quran and Sunnah, the very sources of Islam. The Prophet (May Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) said to his daughter Fatimah: Indeed, I am for you a blessed Salaf.

When asked about which was the correct and acceptable way of understanding Islam, the Prophet (May Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) replied by saying: That which I and my companions are upon.

Similarly, Allah says in the Quran that He is pleased with the companions ...and also those who follow them exactly (in faith).

As such, He said regarding the Prophet (May Allah raise his rank and grant him security) and his companions: So if they believe as you (i.e. the Salaf) believe, they are indeed rightly guided.

All of the orthodox scholars of Islam followed the way of the Salaf in understanding religion.

This returning back to the ways of the early generations, it is said that Salafis are trying to go back in time and do not embrace modernity, is this the case?

23

This not the case at all, since the meaning of returning back to the way of the earlier generations means with respect to the practice and implementation of the religion, rather Muslims made great advances and contributions in many different fields, such as geography, physics, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, pharmacology, architecture, linguistics and astronomy. Algebra and the Arabic numerals were introduced to the world by Muslim scholars, including the zero. The Astrolabe, the Quadrant, and other navigational devices and maps were developed by Muslim scholars and played an important role in world progress, most notably in Europe's age of exploration.

How long have you been in Saudi Arabia, and what is it that you are studying out here?

I have been out here for 8 years, I am studying the correct methodology of the propagation of Islam and its application in modern times.

As explained before in my introduction letter, I am preparing a dissertation titled: Is Wahhabism responsible for the recent rise in terrorism. What prompted me to take this as a topic is the common theme that is found in the media that those of the Wahhabi brand of Islam are proponents of terror and extremism. What is your view on the accusation that Salafis are proponents of intolerance and terror?

My view is that this is complete nonsense. Salafis around the world take their knowledge from the same pool of scholars, and you will never hear of our scholars condoning or praising any acts of terror or extremism, so likewise you will never find us who affiliate ourselves with this blessed methodology condoning or praising acts of murder, suicide bombings and the likes of this, regardless of the reasons or circumstances behind these acts. Our esteemed and late scholar, Shaykh Al-Uthaymeen had a tele-link with the Muslims in Birmingham in July 2000, and in this tele-link, he strongly warned the Muslims in the UK and non-Muslim lands generally against agitating and committing acts of treachery or terror against the people of the lands in which we reside. This is because we Muslims have been allowed to stay in these lands, and allowed to continue to worship and call to Islam. The US and UK government could easily outlaw Islam and turn the Muslims out, but they havent. So it is not for any of us to now rise up against our hosts with violence and terror. This is not from Islam, and completely forbidden! We have a

24

sacred agreement with our hosts that must be honoured and protected. The Prophet (May Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) said: Whoever kills one who is under and agreement of protection will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.

Jihadist groups such as the Armed Islamic Group of Algeria (GIA), the Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb formerly known as The Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), Al-Qaeda in Iraq, Al-Shabaab in Somalia and in the UK Al-Muhajiroun, or Islam4UK as they are known as now, all claim that they are in fact followers of the Salafi way. They claim that they call to Tawheed and Dawah, but they also claim that they combine this with Shariah Law and Jihad, elements which they accuse moderate Salafis (such as scholars in Saudi Arabia and organizations like Spubs) of abandoning. What are your thoughts on this?

Shaykh Abdul-Maalik ar-Ramadani al-Jazaairee is a Salafi scholar of Algerian descent who has much insight into the tragedy that befell Algeria at the hands of terrorists. He was asked about these groups the GIA and the GSPC, and his response can be made applicable to all of these extremist groups who affiliate themselves with Salafiyyah such as the ones you mentioned. He said:

How can, with all of this, making permissible the blood of the police and killing them, be clean (i.e. permitted)? Then they live on stolen monies which have been ransacked from people by force! They destroy the souls of the Muslim soldiers As a result, we do not however absolve ourselves from Salafiyyah as it is the truth, yet we absolve ourselves for Allaah from the Salafist Group for Dawah and Combat and from all those who grasp weapons today in our country against the system or the people.

I say this so that the creation know that the ascription of those revolutionary groups (i.e. the GSPC) to Salafiyyah is a distortion of Salafiyyah, just as how ascribing deviant Muslims to Islam is also a distortion of Islam, blocking the true path of Allaah and causing people to flee from the

25

victorious ones (firqat un-Naajiyah). However, Salafiyyah is Salafiyyah, just as Islaam is Islaam, even though it is distorted by the deviants.36

Is it possible that these groups may have derived or interpreted their understanding of Islam and interpretation of extremist acts from the works of early Salafi scholars such as Ibn Taymeeyah and Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab? If not, then why not?

Not at all. Our scholar, Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan, clarified this issue in the media here in Saudi. He said: Some of the hypocrites and ignoramuses claim that the Muslim schools taught them this ideology, and that the teaching methodologies (curriculums) comprise such a deviated ideology, and they request change in the methodologies of teaching. We say (in response): Indeed, the proponents of this ideology (of terrorism) did not graduate from the Muslim schools, nor did they take knowledge from the Muslim scholars because they (themselves) declare as unlawful studying in these schools, institutes and faculties.

So if they didnt receive their understanding from the works of the Salafi scholars, from whom did they receive this ideology? (Sayyid Qutb, Mauwdudi, Al-Banna etc)

The real proponents of this deviated, murderous mentality comes from the books of Sayyid Qutb, Ayman Az-Zawahiri [Usamah bin Ladens second-in-command], Hassan Al-Banna, Abu Ala Mouwdudi and all of these individuals constructed and are affiliated with the group Ikhwan ulMuslimeen who has its roots in Egypt.

Are these individuals or organisations that you mentioned not upon the Salafi methodology?

Not in the slightest.

Al-Akaabir fi maa Uhdira min Dimaa fil-Jazaair [The Legal Verdicts of the Senior Scholars Regarding the Killings in Algeria] - (Cairo: Daar Imam Ahmad, 1426 AH/2005 CE), p.16-17

36

26

So what group then do these extremist elements who claim to be Salafi actually fall under? Can you elaborate on this/these group(s)?

The Khawaarij, literally translated as The Rebels. They are a group who have been around since the time of the Prophets Companions. They revolted against the Muslim rulers, killed civilians, harmed and murdered not only those whom they consider 'non-Muslim' but even Muslims who have fallen into sin. They are an extremist group who have surfaced throughout the ages. The fact is that it has always been the Salafis who have warned against them in their writings, their books, their lectures and in recent times by recordings, radio announcements and so forth.

So in your view, the claim that the recent rise in terrorism is not stemming from Wahhabism, but from these groups who are attempting to hijack the Wahhabi/Salafi banner?

Without a shadow of a doubt.

Is Usamah bin Laden and his organisation Salafi?

No. Far from it!

Have you ever personally had any confrontations with members of these groups and did you manage to get across the true Salafi methodology as you see it to them?

Yes. I am from Tottenham in North London and, unfortunately, me and my fellow Salafi brothers and sisters were surrounded by the worst of these groups at one time or another. In Tottenham we had Umar Bakri and his group Al-Muhajiroun, in Edmonton we had Abdullah AlFaisal the Jamaican and up the road in Finsbury Park we had Abu Hamza Al-Misri. They all had a large following, and we would constantly find ourselves having to defend the religion of Islam against the filth they were spreading. We now have an organisation in Tottenham called The Light of Islaam Tottenham Dawah, and we have aligned themselves with other Salafi organisations in the UK. We have worked hard in clarifying Islam to the people, and freeing Islam from the extremists and the lies purported by them. Since we set up in 2004, we have gladly watched these extremists fizzle away as their leaders were arrested and organisations outlawed. Good riddance!

27

In the media we are led to believe that Saudi Arabia is brimming with Mosques that continuously put out the message that is deemed to be of hatred to non-Muslims and non-conforming Muslims, to the downfall of the West generally and America specifically. Is this a reality?

There was a time where the Muslim Brotherhood Ikhwan ul-Muslimeen had infiltrated a number of organisations, such as summer camps, and they had exploited this and a number of people did get caught up in extremist activities. However, the Saudi authorities had caught them out and they were prosecuted accordingly. As for Imams and preachers spouting hate from the pulpits in the Mosques, then this has also taken place, but there are special Anti-Terror investigation units whose role it is to seek these people out, and they are shut down and arrested immediately. Some have slipped through the net, no doubt, but it is government policy to shut down such activities rather than promote them and allow for them to take place.

It should be noted though that whenever these extremist elements have been caught out, the link has always led back to the Muslim Brotherhood organisation. As pointed out by the Saudi Interior Minister, Prince Naif bin Abdul-Aziz to the Kuwaiti newspaper 'Al-Siyasa' in which he said, All our problems stem from the Muslim Brotherhood.

As a Westerner, are you treated with suspicion by the locals and the authorities? How do you find it living there?

No. I have been treated with the upmost respect and honoured as a guest here. It is claimed that Saudi Arabia and its Wahhabi religious establishment does not do enough to speak out and deal with the issue of terrorism, rather it is claimed that they fuel it. What is the reality of the Saudi Arabian authorities and its religious establishment towards terrorism and extremism and do they combat it? The reality is that Saudi Arabia has done more in combating the recent rise in terror probably more so than any other country on earth. Thousands of extremists have been arrested and put on trial here. Thousands of them renounced their ways and are under strict observation programmes 28

where their activities are monitored. Those elements that was directly involved or responsible for terrorist acts or murder have been either imprisoned or executed according to Islamic Law for the crime of murder accordingly. In fact, a few years ago, King Abdullah offered an amnesty. He gave exactly one month for all suspected terrorists to hand themselves in to the Saudi authorities and they will not be sentenced with capital punishment, but a prison sentence and an opportunity to join the reform programme which was set up by Prince Naif, the Ministry Interior. By the time the month was up, thousands had handed themselves in, some were actually in the safe haven of other Arab countries, but they chose to jump on a plane and hand themselves in to the Saudi authorities. The amnesty was so successful, that the King extended it for a further few weeks, and more had handed themselves in. Have you ever heard of anything like that in the US and the UK? After the amnesty was up, the authorities and specialist anti-terror squads sought out the remaining terrorist suspects and rained upon them fire! The Saudi authorities works very closely with the religious establishment here in the Kingdom, and the making of fatwas or religious rulings, which turn out to be an extremist element are criminalised and diminished. So to suggest the Saudi Arabia has not being playing a part in combating extremism and terrorism is entirely inaccurate. While Britain was granting asylum to extremist elements in the 80s and 90s, Saudi Arabia was warning against these individuals and their message of terror. But it was either ignored, or fell on deaf ears. So Saudi Arabia and the Islamic scholars have been warning against such individuals for some time, before September 11th? The Islamic scholars have been warning about the likes of these individuals for hundreds of years, rather the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) warned about these types of people by name and then by way of warning against their ideology.

29

Are there not any establishments in the UK who are Salafi and publically speak out and refute the extremist elements?

Yes. The main one in the UK is Salafi Publications. There are others, but this one is the more prominent one.

So why do we not hear of anything from them in the mass media? All we seem to hear are fellow Muslims condemning terrorism and blaming the Wahhabis for extreme ideologies.

There have been some reports, I know there was an article about the anti-terror conferences arranged by Salafi Publications, but the media generally do not seem to be interested, which is a shame. The media seem to prefer speaking to either extremist groups like Al-Muhajiroun representatives or Muslims who are opposed to the Salafi way.

I understand you are extremely busy as a post-graduate student, and I thank you for your time and wish you all the best for your studies.

It was a pleasure. Thank you for the opportunity.

Suggested websites
www.salafipublications.com www.islamagainstextremism.com www.answering-extremism.com www.takfiris.com

30

Bibliography

Pirbhai, M. Reza. (2007). The Wahhabis are Coming, the Wahhabis are Coming! Available: Counterpunch website http://www.counterpunch.org/pirbhai10272007.html. Last accessed 6th December 2010.

Schwartz, Stephen. (2001). Ground Zero and the Saudi connection. Available: Spectator website http://www.spectator.co.uk/essays/all/9312/ground-zero-and-the-saudi-connection.thtml. Last accessed 6th December 2010.

Abdul-Wahhab, Sheikh-ul-Islam Muhammad bin (1996). Kitab ut-Tauhid (The Book of Monotheism). 1st ed. Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dar-us-Salam Publications

Oliver, Haneef James (2004). The 'Wahhabi' Myth. 2nd ed. Toronto, Canada. T.R.O.I.D. Publications.

Al-Hilali, Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din & Khan, Dr. Muhammad Muhsin (1996). The Noble Quran English Translation of the Meanings and Commentary. Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran

Saudi Arabia, The Royal Embassy of. The History of Saudi Arabia. Available: The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, London website http://www.mofa.gov.sa/Detail.asp?InSectionID=1545&InNewsItemID=24408. accessed 6th December 2010 Last

Saudi Arabia, The Royal Embassy of. Government. Available: The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, London website http://www.mofa.gov.sa/Detail.asp?InSectionID=1545&InNewsItemID=24409. accessed 6th December 2010 Last

31

Beyer, Lisa (2001). The Most Wanted Man in the World. Available: Time website http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101010924/wosama.html. December 2010. Last accessed 13th

Hardy, Roger (2001). Analysis: Inside Wahhabi Islam. Available: BBC website http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1571144.stm. Last accessed 27th December 2010

Pabst, Adrian (2009), Pakistan Must Confront Wahhabism. Available: The Guardian website http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2009/aug/20/pakistan-wahhabiislam-sufi-terrorism. Last accessed 27th December 2010

Baalbaki, Dr. Rohi (1997). Al-Mawrid - A Modern Arabic-English Dictionary. 10th ed. Beirut, Lebanon: Dar El-Elm Lilmalayin.

Blanchard, Christopher M. (2007), Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report The Islamic Traditions of Wahhabism and Salafyya. Available: U.S. Department of State Foreign Press Centers website http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/81366.pdf. Last accessed 2nd January 2011

Humaid, Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad (1995), Jihad in the Quran and Sunnah. 1st ed. Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam.

Reagan, President Ronald (1983), Message on the Observance of Afghanistan Day March 23rd 1983. Available: Archives Ronald Reagan Presidential Press Library website http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1983/32183e.htm. Last accessed 3rd January 2011

Publications, Salafi. (2010), The Rise of Jihadist Extremism in the West. 1st ed. Birmingham. United Kingdom: Salafi Publications.

32

Doran, Michael Scott (2001), Gods and Monsters. Available: The Guardian website http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2001/dec/08/artsandhumanities.highereducation?INTC MP=SRCH. Last accessed 14th February 2011

Publications, Salafi (2003), Islamic Condemnation of Terrorists, Hijackers, & Suicide Bombers The Brothers of the Devils. 2nd ed. Birmingham. United Kingdom: Salafi Publications

33