Wahhabism and the World: Understanding Saudi Arabia's Global Influence on Islam

Saudi Arabia has spent billions of dollars funding and sponsoring religious activities and Islamic causes, propagating Wahhabism, a rigid and austere form of Islam, across the world. This volume explores the origins and evolution of Saudi religious transnationalism, assesses its impact, and discusses possible future trends.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

For over half a century, Saudi Arabia has been a major player in funding and sponsoring religious activities and Islamic causes worldwide. Through both official and non-governmental channels, the Kingdom has invested billions of dollars in spreading Wahhabism, a strict and austere form of Islam associated with the Saudi religious establishment. This influential movement has had a profound impact on Muslim communities across nearly every continent.

In this comprehensive volume, esteemed scholars delve into the origins and evolution of Saudi religious transnationalism. They assess ongoing debates about the impact of these influences in various regions and localities around the world, exploring the diverse range of responses and adaptations they have elicited. The authors also consider potential future trends in light of the new Saudi leadership, examining how the Kingdom's religious policies and initiatives may shape the global landscape in the years to come.

The volume is organized into several chapters, each dedicated to exploring the major actors and institutions involved in Saudi global religious propagation. These chapters provide a comprehensive overview of the strategies, networks, and resources employed by the Kingdom to spread its religious message. Additionally, the volume includes a wealth of country case studies that offer in-depth analysis of the nature and impact of Saudi religious influence in nations across multiple world regions.

Through these essays and case studies, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics and multifaceted implications of Saudi religious transnationalism. The volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in exploring the evolving relationship between religion, politics, and global power dynamics. It sheds light on the ways in which Saudi Arabia's religious investments have shaped the religious landscape of the world and contributed to the broader geopolitical tensions and conflicts that exist in the region and beyond.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197532577