History of the Destruction of Waha-bi Shrines

 History of the Destruction of Waha-bi Shrines

The Waha-bi ideology originated in the 18th century in the Najd region, founded by Abdul Wah-hab Najdi (1703-1792). He claimed that various innovations (Bid'ah) and polytheistic practices (Shirk) had spread among Muslims and needed to be eradicated. His preaching was primarily based on the so-called "Tawheed" (monotheism), which was fundamentally against the thousand-year-old beliefs of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah. Even today, followers of this ideology can be seen as the so-called "Tawheedi Janata."

Abdul Wah-hab allied with the Saudi descendant Ibn Saud, forming a military force to conquer various Islamic regions. As part of this campaign, they destroyed numerous Islamic heritage sites and structures.

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1. Attack on Karbala (1802 AD)

In 1802, the Waha-bis attacked the city of Karbala, Iraq.

• They attempted to destroy the shrine of Imam Husayn رضي الله عنه and looted its valuable possessions.

• Around 5,000 Muslims were martyred in this attack, and the city of Karbala suffered severe damage.

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2. Attacks on Makkah and Madinah (1806 & 1925)

First Destruction (1806)

• After seizing Makkah and Madinah, the Waha-bis destroyed numerous historical Islamic sites.

• They also attempted to demolish the blessed shrine of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, but due to strong opposition from the Muslim world, they could not succeed.

Second Destruction (1925 - Demolition of Jannatul Baqi)

• In 1925, when the modern Saudi monarchy came to power, they demolished Jannatul Baqi (Baqi Cemetery).

• Jannatul Baqi is a sacred site where many companions of the Prophet ﷺ, members of the Ahlul Bayt, saints, and great Islamic personalities are buried.

• They destroyed the shrines and domes of Hazrat Uthman رضي الله عنه, Hazrat Abbas رضي الله عنه, Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه, Imam Zaynul Abidin رضي الله عنه, Imam Baqir رضي الله عنه, and Imam Jafar Sadiq رضي الله عنه.

• During this time, they also attacked the Jannatul Mu'alla cemetery in Makkah, where Hazrat Khadija رضي الله عنها and other family members of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ were buried.

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3. Destruction of Shrines of Saints and Historical Monuments

The Waha-bis not only targeted Makkah and Madinah but also destroyed many Islamic shrines and historical structures in different countries.

Egypt & Syria

• In Egypt, they attempted to attack the shrine of Imam Shafi’i رحمة الله عليه.

• In Syria, they tried to destroy the shrines of Hazrat Uwais al-Qarni رحمة الله عليه and Hazrat Bilal رضي الله عنه.

Libya

• In 2012, the shrine of Sidi Abdus Salam al-Asmar (رحمة الله عليه) in Libya was destroyed.

Influence in Turkey & the Indian Subcontinent

• In Turkey, while saints and scholars are highly respected, Waha-bi influence has led some extremist groups to take an anti-shrine stance.

• In the Indian subcontinent, the British facilitated the spread of Waha-bi ideology, and some groups began promoting anti-shrine propaganda.

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Dear Brothers!

The Waha-bis have destroyed numerous historical shrines and Islamic monuments in the name of Islam, which directly contradicts the Sunni beliefs of mainstream Islam. They have spread confusion and division within the Muslim Ummah. Even today, efforts are being made to spread Waha-bi ideology in various parts of the world, and attacks on the shrines of saints continue. However, the followers of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah remain steadfast in preserving the true teachings and heritage of Islam.

What Should We Do?

• Avoid confusion and gain knowledge about the true history and beliefs of Islam.

• Respect the saints and follow their teachings.

• Be aware of preserving Islamic heritage and historical sites.

May Allah keep us steadfast in the correct Aqeedah and protect us from the Waha-bi Fitna. Ameen.