Opponents were three categories: First: foolish scholars who deemed false what was true and true what was false. They believed that building upon graves, establishing Masjids (mosques) upon them, seeking the help of the dead and supplicating to them instead of Allah

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 and the like were sanctioned by Islam. They considered the denial of such falsehood as hatred of the righteous and Awliya' (pious people), and whoever did that was an enemy that should be fought.Second: the alleged scholars who ignored the reality of this man (Muhammad ibn `Abd Al-Wahhab) and Al-Haqq (the Truth) he called to. Rather, they imitated others and believed the lies of misleading superstitious people. They thought that they were on the path of guidance by claiming that he hated and antagonized the Awliya' and prophets and denied their Karamahs (extraordinary events caused by Allah for or through pious people). Therefore, they criticized the Shaykh and his call and kept away from him.Third: those who were afraid of losing their positions. They opposed the call for fear that its supporters might seize their territories, remove them out of their offices and take over power. Hence, the oral wars, debates and contestations took place between the Shaykh and his opponents. This went on between his sons, grandsons and supporters on the one hand and the opponents of the Islamic Call on the other. These debates composed many letters and replies, which were gathered in volumes, the most of which were printed, praise be to Allah. The Shaykh forged ahead with his Da`wah (calling to Islam) and Jihad (fighting or striving in the Cause of Allah), supported by Prince Muhammad ibn Su`ud of Al-Dir`iyyah, and forefather of the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia. Jihad began in 1158 A.H. with sword and speech, with argument and proof, then Da`wah continued along with Jihad by the sword. A caller to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), unless having power to sustain Al-Haqq, will fade away and lose supporters. It is well-known that weapons may be most effective in spreading Islam, suppressing opponents, sustaining Al-Haqq and refuting falsehood. Allah is the Most Truthful, Who (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice. And We brought forth iron wherein is mighty power (in matters of war), as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allâh may test who it is that will help Him (His religion) and His Messengers in the unseen. Verily, Allâh is All-Strong, All-Mighty. [1]

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 Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) points out that He has sent messengers with clear proofs that testify to Al-Haqq and refute falsehood. He (Glorified and Exalted be He) has sent with messengers the books that contain guidance and the balance (justice) which corrects injustice, establishes Al-Haqq and spreads guidance. It deals with people on the basis of equality and fairness. He (Glorified and Exalted be He) has also sent down iron, wherein is great might and deterrence for whoever opposes the truth. Iron is a deterrent when argument and proofs are useless.In such a situation a poet says:

It is not but a revelation or a sharp sword

whose blade puts an end to the tricks of everyone who goes astray

This is the remedy of every ignorant person

and this is the remedy of every just person

A sane person with Fitrah (natural disposition) avails himself of proofs and accepts Al-Haqq. The unjust, who pander to their whims, are to be deterred only by the sword. The Shaykh strove hard in Da`wah and Jihad, supported by Al Su`ud (the Saudi Royal Family) (may Allah be merciful with them). They continued with Jihad and Da`wah since 1158 A.H. until the Shayk died in 1206 A.H. It was a struggle for Al-Haqq and clarification of what Allah and His Messenger stated. It was Da`wah for the Religion of Allah (Islam), for legislation set down by His Messenger (peace be upon him), until people turned to obedience, embraced the Religion of Allah, and destroyed the domes and Masjids built on tombs. They adopted and ruled by the Shari`ah (Islamic law) and forsook the traditions of their forefathers. They returned to Al-Haqq. Masjids were populated by people who offered Salah (Prayer) and attended Halaqahs (learning circles), Zakah (obligatory charity) was paid, Ramadan was fasted as Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) ordered, Ma`ruf (that which is judged as good, beneficial, or fitting by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) was ordained and Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) was forbidden, security prevailed in countries, villages, and roads and the Bedouins

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 embraced the Religion of Allah and accepted Al-Haqq which the Shaykh preached. He sent to them Da`ys (callers to Islam) in the desert. He also sent teachers, guides and judges to villages and cities. In short, good and clear guidance prevailed in all Najd where Al-Haqq spread and the Religion of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) held sway.After the death of the Shaykh (may Allah be merciful to him), his sons and grandsons; his disciples and supporters in Da`wah and Jihad, at the top of his sons were Shaykh `Abdullah ibn Muhammad, Shaykh Husayn ibn Muhammad, Shaykh `Aly ibn Muhammad, Shaykh Ibrahim ibn Muhammad and at the top of his grandsons were Shaykh `Abdul-Rahman ibn Hasan, Shaykh `Aly ibn Husayn, and Shaykh Sulayman ibn `Abdullah ibn Muhammad and among his disciples were Shaykh Hamad ibn Nasir ibn Ma`mar and a constellation of scholars of Al-Dir`iyyah; all of them and others took the way of Da`wah and Jihad, promulgating the Religion of Allah (Glorified be He), writing articles and books, and fighting the enemies of Islam. Those callers to Islam did not antagonize any of their opponents; they only called for Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/monotheism), devoted `Ibadah (worship) to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and observed Istiqamah (integrity). They called for devastating the domes and Masjids built on graves, ruled by the Shari`ah, ordained Ma`ruf, forbade Munkar and executed the Hudud (ordained punishment for violating Allah’s Law) of Shari`ah. Such were the causes of dispute among the callers for Islam and the people. To conclude, they have guided people to Tawhid, warned them against committing Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and blocked its means. They established Shari`ah, proclaimed Jihad against those who rejected it and kept on Shirk after receiving the Da`wah and clarification, argument and evidence. They urged people to succumb to Al-Haqq and repent; otherwise, they would be forced by sword to follow the Shari`ah. They warned people against acts of Bid`ah (innovation in religion) and superstition, such as building domes on the tombs, seeking judgment of Taghut (false gods), approaching

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 sorcerers and soothsayers. Allah has put an end to all this nonsense at the hands of the Shaykh and his supporters (may Allah be merciful with them).Masjids were maintained by teaching the Ever-Glorious Qur'an, the sanctified Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet), Islamic history and useful Arabic sciences. People engaged in studying and seeking guidance and Da`wah; others combined between religion studies and worldly affairs of agriculture, industry or commerce; thus preserving life and religion affairs. They called to Allah and guided to His Way. They also flourished the industry of their own country to dispense with overseas commodities. After the Da`ys spread Da`wah along with Al Su`ud in Najd, they extended to Al-Haramayn Al-Sharifayn (the Two Sacred Mosques: the Sacred Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah) and southern Arabian Peninsula. They sent letters to the scholars of Al-Haramayn. However, when Da`wah did not work with them and the people of Al-Haramayn kept on glorifying the dead in graves, building domes over graves and committing acts of Shirk there by approaching the dead, Imam Su`ud ibn `Abdul-`Aziz ibn Muhammad spent eleven years after the death of the Shaykh on his way to Al-Hijaz. He fought the people of Al-Ta'if, then headed for Makkah. The people of Al-Ta'if had been fought fiercely before Su`ud approached them by Prince `Uthman ibn `Abdul-Rahman Al-Mudayyfy, who had fought them with a military force sent by Su`ud ibn `Abdul-`Aziz ibn Muhammad, Prince of Al-Dir`iyyah, supported by the people of Najd and others until he conquered Al-Ta'if. He drove out the rulers installed by Al-Sharif, spread Da`wah, guided to Al-Haqq and forbade Shirk and worship of Ibn `Abbas and others who were worshiped by the ignorant and fool of the people of Al-Ta'if. Then Prince Su`ud headed, under the order of his father, `Abdul-`Aziz to Al-Hijaz where the armies assembled around Makkah. When the governor of Makkah found that he had to either surrender or flee, he fled to Jeddah. Then Su`ud and his followers entered the country peacefully and conquered Makkah at the dawn of Saturday, Muharram 8,

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 1218 A.H. They made the Religion of Allah superior and undermined the domes built over the grave of Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) and others. They removed all domes built over graves and called for Tawhid. They appointed teachers, guides and judges who ruled by the Shari`ah. After a short while, Al-Madinah was conquered by Al Su`ud in 1220 A.H., two years after they had conquered Makkah. The Al-Haramayn Al-Sharifayn remained under the rule of Al Su`ud, where instructors and guides were appointed, justice prevailed and the judgment of the Shari`ah was sought. They showed kindness toward the people, particularly the poor, as they were supported with money and sympathy, taught the Book of Allah and guided to goodness. They held the scholars in respect and encouraged them to promote education and guidance. Al-Haramayn Al-Sharifayn remained under the rule of Al Su`ud till 1226 A.H. Then the Egyptian and Turkish armies headed for Al-Hijaz to fight Al Su`ud and drive them out of Al-Haramayn Al-Sharifayn for many reasons, some of which have already been mentioned. Their enemies, rivals and the fools besides some politicians wanted to subside this Da`wah, for fear of losing their offices and putting an end to their evil desires. So they invented a lie against the Shaykh and his supporters and followers, claiming that they hated the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon them) and the Awliya' and denied their Karamahs (an extraordinary event performed by a pious person). They claimed that the Shaykh and his supporters said so and so, disparaging the messengers (peace be upon them). Some of the fools and biased people believed those claims and took them as a reason for attacking and fighting them. They encouraged the Turks and Egyptians to wage war against them. This gave rise to Fitan (seditions) and fight inflamed between the Egyptian and Turkish armies on the one hand and Al Su`ud in Najd and Hijaz on the other from 1226 to 1233 A.H. It was a seven-year war between the powers of Al-Haqq and falsehood.

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 The conclusion is that Shaykh Muhammad ibn `Abdul-Wahhab (may Allah be merciful to him) intended to make the Religion of Allah (Islam) superior over all religions and to guide people to Tawhid and renounce acts of Bid`ah and superstition they held. He also intended to enforce Al-Haqq, remove falsehood, enjoin Ma`ruf and forbid Munkar.This is the core of his call (may Allah be merciful to him). With regard to `Aqidah (creed), he followed the path of the Salaf (righteous predecessors); he believed in Allah, His names and Attributes; Angels, Messengers, Books, the Last Day and predestination whether good or bad. He adopted the way of the scholars of Islam with regard to Tawhid, devoting `Ibadah to Allah Alone (Glorified and Exalted be He), believing in Allah's Names and Attributes in a manner that befits Him without Ta`til (denial of Allah's Attributes) or likening Him to any of His creation and believing in Resurrection, Reckoning, Retribution, Jannah (Paradise) and Hell. Like the Salaf, he defines Iman (belief) as being comprised of utterances and actions, increasing by performing acts of obedience and decreasing by committing sins. Accordingly, the Shaykh (may Allah be merciful to him) adopted the path and `Aqidah of the Salaf in words and actions. He never invented a new `Aqidah; rather, he was on the path of the Salaf, Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) and their successors in righteousness. May Allah be pleased with them all!He showed this in Najd and its surroundings. He called for Tawhid and fought whoever disobeyed, objected and attacked him until the Religion of Allah became superior and Al-Haqq became triumphant. Muslims should call to Allah, resist falsehood, ordain Ma`ruf and forbid Munkar. However, the Shaykh and his supporters called people to commit themselves to and enforce Al-Haqq, made them forbid and resist falsehood and rebuked them until they gave up. Likewise, he strove hard to resist acts of Bid`ah and superstition until Allah (Glorified be He) eliminated them by virtue of his Da`wah. Thus, the three reasons mentioned above were the causes of enmity between the Shaykh and people, namely:

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  First: resisting Shirk and calling for utter Tawhid. Second: resisting acts of Bid`ah and superstition, such as building domes over graves and making them Masjids, not to mention celebrations of the birthdays of Awliya' and Tariqahs (Sufi orders) that were innovated by Sufis. Third: he ordered people to follow Ma`ruf, enforced it and applied Ta`zir (discretionary punishment) to whoever resisted Ma`ruf which Allah made obligatory. He forbade people from committing Munkar, rebuking them for it and applying Hudud (ordained punishment for violating Allah’s Law). He enforced Al-Haqq and prohibited falsehood, thereby prevailing Al-Haqq and suppressing falsehood. People adopted a good path and behaved properly in markets, Masjids and elsewhere. There was no room for Bid`ah or Munkar among them or Shirk in their country. Consequently, their country and attitudes were reminiscent of the Salaf and the era of the Prophet (peace be upon him), his Sahabah and their successors in righteousness in the favored centuries. People continued this way and strove to remain on it and hold fast to it, until some changes took place later after the death of Shaykh Muhammad and many of his sons and supporters (may Allah be merciful with them). As soon as change took place, affliction and trial began through the Turkish and Egyptian states. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: Verily, Allâh will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allâh). [2] We ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to render what befell them as expiation for their sins, raising their status and martyrdom for those who were killed, may Allah be pleased and merciful with them! Their Da`wah still exists till the present day. Five years after the Egyptian soldiers invaded Najd, committed murders and destruction, the Shaykh's call was revived and spread again by

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 Imam Turky ibn `Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Su`ud (may Allah be merciful to him). He prorogated Da`wah in Najd, where scholars increased and drove the Turks and Egyptians out of villages and cities. Then Da`wah prevailed in Najd in 1240 A.H. Al-Dir`iyyah was destroyed and the rule of Al Su`ud came to an end in 1233 A.H. People lived in Najd in chaos, fighting and turmoil for five years (1234- 1239 A.H.) In 1240 A.H., Muslims rallied in Najd around Imam Turky ibn `Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Su`ud. Al-Haqq was established and scholars wrote to people in villages and towns, encouraging them to return to Allah. Turmoil, which was aflame among them following the long wars against the Egyptians and their allies, was put out. The Religion of Allah dominated and people engaged in education, guidance and Da`wah, and returned to the way of life they adopted at the time of the Shaykh, his sons and disciples - may Allah be pleased and merciful with them all! The Da`wah went on since 1240 A.H. Until the present day - praise be to Allah! Al Su`ud as well as Al Al-Shaykh and scholars of Najd continued to succeed one another. Su`ud's family members have succeeded one another in leadership, Da`wah and Jihad for the Cause of Allah.Scholars have succeeded one another in calling for Allah and guiding to Al-Haqq. However, Al-Haramayn Al-Sharifayn remained separated from the state of Saudi Arabia for a long time, until 1343 A.H., when they were conquered by Imam `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdul-Rahman ibn Faysal ibn Turky ibn `Abdullah ibn Muhammad

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 ibn Sa`ud, may Allah be merciful with him! They are still, praise be to Allah, under the rule of this State. We ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to set right the rest of Al Su`ud, Al Al-Shaykh and all Muslim scholars here and elsewhere and to guide them all to what pleases Him. We ask Allah to make Al-Haqq triumph over falsehood and to grant callers to guidance everywhere success to carry out the obligations set by Allah. We ask Allah to guide all of us to Al-Sirat-ul-Mustaqim (the Straight Path) and maintain Al-Haramayn Al-Sharifayn, their surroundings and all other Muslim countries with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam). We ask Allah to help glorify His Book and the Sunnah of His Prophet and to grant everybody understanding of them, holding fast to them and seeking their judgment, till they meet their Lord (Glorified and Exalted be He). Allah is Omnipotent over all things and capable of responding to supplications.This is the last point concerning identifying the Shaykh, his Da`wah and his proponents and opponents. Allah is the One sought for help. There is neither might nor power except with Allah! May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon His slave and Messenger, our Prophet and leader Muhammad ibn `Abullah, his family, Companions and those who follow his path and are guided by his teachings! Praise be to the Lord of the worlds.