Imam Muhammad ibn Abdulwahhab’s Agreement with the Statements of Earlier Scholars on Supporting the Polytheists against Muslims A Comparative Theological Study

Abstract

This research examines Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab's stance on aiding polytheists against Muslims, demonstrating his alignment with classical scholars. Through a comparative methodology, it refutes claims by some contemporaries that he introduced unprecedented views. Despite accusations of Kharijite extremism and indiscriminate Takfir (excommunication) based on misinterpretations of his creedal works, the Sheikh's writings explicitly differentiate between major alliance (Tawalli) and lesser loyalty (Muwalat). He did not view aiding non-Muslims as absolute disbelief. Consequently, extremists find no justification in his works, as he consistently warned against the Kharijite practice of excommunicating Muslims-an anti-extremist methodology strictly upheld by subsequent scholars. Utilizing inductive and comparative approaches, this study (structured into an introduction, two sections, and a conclusion) emphasizes the necessity of the Salaf’s framework in interpreting evidence and creedal nuances. Deviant sects often misappropriate orthodox Sunni scholarship to justify their corrupt doctrines by failing to distinguish between actions that constitute major disbelief and those that do not. Therefore, scholars must promote an accurate understanding of these issues, illustrating that safeguarding Tawhid (monotheism) is inseparable from the Islamic principles of mercy, leniency, and justice.