By Abdu Mubasher
The facts related to the issue of Wahabi-Salafism refer to the presence of robust and energetic sectarian powers in the Saudi Kingdom acting and pressing relentlessly and determinedly to promulgate Wahabism across the Islamic world. It is not a clandestine movement, as they openly publish articles, studies, researches, and organize conferences and seminars. Their latest symposium entitled “Salafism: a Sharia approach and National Demand” was held in Riyadh. This indicates that the people of the [Saudi] Kingdom are aware of the presence of these powers; and while some of them oppose, others approve of these powers. Otherwise they would not be allowed to carry on with their activities. Islamic political powers in Egypt receive substantial influx of funding, especially the Salafi faction which endeavors to propagate Wahabism and aspires to transform Egypt into a Wahabi state. In a comment regarding the massive and overwhelming funds these powers receive, the Rector of Al Azhar mosque, Dr. El Tayeb, said in bewilderment that they receive funds that cannot be consumed even by fire. They have a particular interest in training and preparing Salafi cadres, especially from among the sheikhs and scholars graduating from Al Azhar, with a view to gaining control over certain sections inside Al Azhar colleges, such as the Hadith and Da’wa [propagation] departments. There is also a group of preachers who decided that their own personal interests and ambitions can be better achieved through advocating Wahabism, even though they were never affiliated to any Islamic Studies college or institute.
Then there is the great number of Egyptians who work in Saudi Arabia and are influenced by Wahabi thoughts and behavioral patterns.
This abundance of funding enables political Islamic powers, including the Salafi powers, to build schools, hospitals, mosques and orphanages. This subsequently empowers these fanatic and ambitious Salafi movements and increases their widespread impact. We may or may not realize that such fanatic powers damage the image of the Kingdom, since it is portrayed as the state that spawned Wahabism, rather than the state of Islam. It is incumbent on the leaders of these powers to realize that the Custodian of the Two Holy Shrines is a servant and a guardian of Islam—not just one sect of that religion.
The Kingdom, the King and the ruling family are, beyond doubt, much broader than this Salafi pigeonhole where some people want to confine them.
Muslims around the world undoubtedly revere the King, the ruling family, and the Kingdom much more than the Wahabi powers do, and sincere people hope to see real and serious separation between these powers and the authorities of the Saudi Kingdom.
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Source: Al Ahram, January 24, 2012. Translated by CS.