A Critical Analysis of the Wahhabi Doctrine and Its Rejection in the Indonesian Context

Abstract

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of Wahhabism by examining its historical roots, theological foundations, and social implications, particularly in the context of Indonesia. Wahhabism, founded by Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab in the 18th century, promotes a strict, literal interpretation of Islamic texts and emphasizes purifying Islam from practices it considers as innovations (bid‘ah). This study adopts a qualitative methodology based on library research, utilizing a range of scholarly sources including books, peer-reviewed articles, and historical documents. The findings suggest that Wahhabism tends to be exclusivist and frequently engages in takfir, or the practice of declaring other Muslims as unbelievers. Although it has spread to Indonesia through transnational educational and financial networks backed by Saudi Arabia, its rigid doctrines have been strongly rejected by the majority of Indonesian Muslims. Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), in particular, opposes Wahhabi ideology and offers Islam Nusantara as a culturally rooted and inclusive alternative. The study concludes that Wahhabism is incompatible with Indonesia’s pluralistic and multicultural religious landscape and recommends reinforcing moderate and contextual Islamic narratives in public and scholarly discourse.