Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – Political History of the Kingdom (Jan 2019)


Chapters

00:00:30 Historical Development of Islamic Clerics
00:02:52 Wahhabism: An Overview
00:11:53 Origins and Misconceptions of Wahhabism
00:18:27 Historical Development of Islamic Interpretation
00:21:21 Origins of Al-Qaeda and its Leaders
00:28:49 Evolution of Bin Laden's Anti-Imperialist Ideology
00:37:13 Taliban and Bin Laden in Afghanistan
00:42:07 Historical Roots of Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Their Ideological Differences
00:53:00 Understanding Wahhabism and Saudi Arabia's Role in Countering Extremism
00:59:07 Saudi Arabia's History of Terrorism and Extremism
01:08:29 Saudi Arabia's Opposition to Extremism and Terrorism
01:11:19 Saudi Government's Response to Terrorism in the Aftermath of 9/11
01:18:43 Mistakes in American Involvement in the Middle East Post-911
01:26:16 Cordial Meeting between Kasia, Nelika, and Prince Turki Alfaisal

Abstract

Updated Article:

The Evolution of Islamic Jurisprudence and Its Impact on Modern Extremism

Abstract

This article explores the historical evolution of Islamic jurisprudence, focusing on key figures such as Al-Shafi’i, Al-Maliki, Ibn Hanbal, and Abu Hanifa, and their interpretations of the Quran and the Prophet’s teachings. It delves into the teachings of Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab and his alliance with Muhammad bin Saud, examining their influence on the formation of the first Saudi state and the spread of Wahhabism. The article also investigates the Ottoman Empire’s response to these movements, the stigmatization of Wahhabism, and its historical context. Further, it explores the emergence of extremist interpretations of Islam, highlighting the roles of figures like Osama Bin Laden, Ayman al-Dawahiri, Abdullah Azzam, and the formation of Al-Qaeda. The article also touches upon the involvement of the United States in the Middle East post-9/11, the rise of ISIS, and the broader implications of these developments on global politics and Islamic teachings.

Introduction

Islamic jurisprudence has played a pivotal role in shaping the socio-political landscape of the Middle East. This article explores the origins and evolution of Islamic jurisprudence, the rise of Wahhabism, and its historical stigmatization, culminating in the modern-day challenges posed by extremist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The piece also examines the regional and global impact of these ideologies, including the response of the Ottoman Empire, the influence of key figures such as Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab, and the complex relationship between Saudi Arabia, extremism, and the West.

1. Origins of Islamic Jurisprudence

The four main clerics, Al-Shafi’i, Al-Maliki, Ibn Hanbal, and Abu Hanifa, each contributed to interpreting Islamic texts according to the society’s needs between 100 and 200 years after the Prophet’s death. Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab, in the mid-18th century, sought to deepen his understanding of Islam, traveling extensively and adopting interpretations that would later form the basis of Wahhabism.

2. Ibn Hanbal’s Influence and Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab’s Teachings

Ibn Hanbal’s emphasis on strict adherence to religious duty influenced Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab, who called for a rigid interpretation of Islamic teachings, rejecting societal practices that deviated from the Prophet’s teachings. Ibn Hanbal’s views became the theological foundation of the Wahhabi movement, emphasizing monotheism, rejection of polytheism, and strict adherence to the Quran and Sunnah.

3. Spread of Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab’s Teachings

Despite initial opposition, Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab found support in Muhammad bin Saud, leading to the establishment of Ad-Dariya as a center for his teachings. Their alliance spread Wahhabism and established the first Saudi state. The alliance between the religious leader, Ibn Abdul Wahab, and the political leader, Ibn Saud, proved successful in establishing and consolidating their power in central Arabia. They used military force to expand their territory and spread their strict interpretation of Islam, leading to conflicts with neighboring rulers and societies.

4. Expansion of Saud and Muhammad’s Influence

The Saud-Muhammad alliance led to military conflicts and an expansion of their influence in central Arabia, due to the rejection of their interpretations by neighboring rulers and societies. Ibn Saud and Ibn Abdul Wahab’s military successes allowed them to capture several important cities, including Riyadh, Mecca, and Medina.

5. Ottoman Empire’s Opposition

The Ottoman Empire, the prevailing regional power, opposed Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab’s interpretations. Efforts to discredit and oppose the movement were undertaken by Ottoman governors in Baghdad and Egypt. The Ottoman Empire, concerned about the growing influence of the Wahhabi movement, sent armies to crush the first Saudi state and suppress the Wahhabi teachings.

6. Historical Stigmatization of Wahhabism

The Ottoman state labeled Wahhabism as heretical, issuing religious decrees to oppose it. This stigmatization had lasting implications for the perception of Wahhabism in the Islamic world. The Ottomans labeled Wahhabism a heretical sect, and their religious decrees against it further alienated the movement from the broader Muslim community. This stigmatization had a lasting impact on Wahhabism’s perception, contributing to its isolation and marginalization.

7. Ibn Saud and Ibn Abdul Wahab’s Expansion

Ibn Saud and Ibn Abdul Wahab’s influence expanded, leading to the control of significant territories, including Mecca and Medina. Wahhabism’s spread was facilitated through trade, pilgrimage, and missionary activities. Ibn Saud and Ibn Abdul Wahab’s military victories and the expansion of their territory allowed them to establish control over the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, which were important centers of Islamic pilgrimage.

Saudi Attempts to Control Bin Laden and Taliban Relations:

Bin Laden fled Sudan to Afghanistan after facing pressure from the Sudanese government. The Taliban, a new element in Afghanistan, gained influence and control over most of the country. Saudi Arabia recognized the Taliban due to their control over Afghanistan and to maintain contact with developments. The kingdom warned the Taliban about Bin Laden’s presence and his potential threats against Saudi Arabia. Despite assurances from the Taliban, Bin Laden continued to operate against Saudi Arabia. The kingdom pressured the Taliban to stop Bin Laden’s harmful activities. In June 1998, Prince Turki Alfaisal met with Mullah Omar to discuss Bin Laden’s extradition. They agreed to establish a joint committee to address the judicial aspects of releasing Bin Laden. The committee formation faced delays, and Mullah Omar sent an envoy to assure Saudi Arabia of his efforts. In August 1998, the US embassy bombings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam occurred, attributed to Bin Laden. US President Clinton issued an ultimatum to the Taliban to hand over Bin Laden.

8. Ottoman Response and the Fall of the First Saudi State

The Ottoman Empire, led by Muhammad Ali of Egypt, responded to the movement, culminating in the defeat of the first Saudi state and a setback for the Wahhabi movement. The Ottomans eventually succeeded in defeating the first Saudi state and capturing its leaders, including Abdul Aziz bin Muhammad bin Saud. The fall of the first Saudi state dealt a severe blow to the Wahhabi movement and forced its adherents to retreat and regroup.

Historical Background of the Formation of Al-Qaeda and Related Extremist Groups:

Following the 9/11 attacks, Clinton launched missile strikes against Bin Laden’s camp in Kandahar, but Bin Laden survived. The Taliban refused to hand over Bin Laden, leading to a breakdown in relations between Saudi Arabia and the Taliban. Extremist groups emerged in the region, including Al-Qaeda and its affiliates. The American invasion of Iraq created a vacuum, allowing extremist groups to regroup. Al-Qaeda elements from Afghanistan fled to Iran, where they received support and safe haven. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi established Al-Qaeda in Iraq and recruited fighters to oppose the American occupation. American forces captured and imprisoned many extremists in Iraq, including Abu Musab al-Sartawi and Al-Baghdadi. Al-Sartawi was eliminated through a bombing, while Al-Baghdadi was released by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Al-Baghdadi formed alliances with former Saddam Hussein loyalists in prison. The Islamic State emerged as a successor to Al-Qaeda in Iraq, aiming to establish a caliphate. The group declared itself the successor to historical Islamic empires and targeted non-Muslims and dissenting Muslims. The Islamic State’s interpretation of Islam differs significantly from traditional teachings, promoting violence and a hierarchical structure for jihad.

9. Wahhabism’s Negative Image

The conflicts and opposition by the Ottoman Empire contributed to a negative perception of Wahhabism. Yet, its teachings remained aligned with those of respected Sunni interpreters like Ibn Hanbal. Despite the negative perception of Wahhabism due to its conflicts with the Ottoman Empire, its teachings remained largely in line with those of respected Sunni interpreters like Ibn Hanbal. This allowed Wahhabism to maintain a degree of legitimacy among certain segments of the Muslim population.

Clarifying Distortions Surrounding Saudi Arabia’s Religious Teachings and State-Sponsored Terrorism Allegations:

“Wahhabism” is a term used to describe the teachings of Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, but it’s a derogatory label coined by opponents of the movement. The teachings of Sheikh Mohammed and Abdul Muhammad emphasize respect for the human soul, contrary to the brutal and vicious acts committed by Daesh and ISIS. Saudi textbooks do not endorse extreme interpretations of Islam, but instead focus on practical aspects of religious practices like prayers and fasting. Extremist groups like Daesh and ISIS may use Saudi textbooks for convenience, but that does not imply endorsement or support from Saudi Arabia. Extremist groups worldwide, such as the Ku Klux Klan in America, Hindu and Buddhist practitioners in India, and Buddhist monks in Myanmar, misuse religious texts to justify their actions. The misuse of religious texts for extremist purposes is not unique to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s religious landscape is diverse and not solely defined by the teachings of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab. The Committee for Senior Ulama, the highest religious authority in Saudi Arabia, includes scholars from different religious schools of thought, such as Maliki and Shafi’i. Allegations of state-sponsored terrorism by Saudi Arabia are often raised in the media. Saudi Arabia strongly denies these allegations and emphasizes its commitment to combating terrorism and extremism.

10. Efforts to Revive the Stigma and King Abdulaziz’s Response

Attempts to revive the stigma of Wahhabism were made during the rise of the third Saudi state. King Abdulaziz’s efforts to promote understanding and acceptance of Wahhabi practices led to a reconciliation of sorts between different Islamic interpretations. King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, the founder of the modern Saudi state, sought to rehabilitate the image of Wahhabism and reconcile it with other Islamic interpretations. He promoted education and religious dialogue to dispel misconceptions about Wahhabism and foster greater understanding among different Muslim communities.

11. Background of Extremism

Extremist interpretations of Islam, deviating from traditional teachings, emerged from the teachings of Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab. These interpretations, which expanded on concepts like jihad, led to the formation of groups like Al-Qaeda and later ISIS. While Wahhabism’s core teachings remained largely unchanged, some individuals and groups within the movement took its principles to extremes. They misinterpreted concepts like jihad, promoting violence and intolerance against those who they perceived as enemies of Islam. This radicalization of Wahhabism laid the foundation for the emergence of extremist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

12. Bin Laden’s Ideology and Activities

Osama Bin Laden’s ideology, shaped by anti-colonial sentiments and opposition to Western influences, led to activities in Sudan and Afghanistan, instrumental in the formation and spread of Al-Qaeda. Bin Laden’s ideology was shaped by his opposition to Western influence and intervention in the Muslim world, particularly the presence of US troops in Saudi Arabia. He saw this as a desecration of the holy land and a violation of Muslim sovereignty.

13. American Involvement in the Middle East Post-9/11

The United States’ response to the 9/11 attacks and subsequent involvement in the Middle East led to significant geopolitical changes. The war on terrorism and the invasion of Iraq contributed to the rise of extremist groups like ISIS. The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 created a power vacuum that allowed extremist groups like ISIS to flourish. The war also fueled anti-Western sentiment in the region, providing fertile ground for extremist ideologies to take root.

Conclusion

The historical progression of Islamic jurisprudence and the rise of Wahhabism have had profound implications for modern-day Islamic societies and global politics. The emergence of extremist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, rooted in deviations from traditional Islamic teachings, has led to significant challenges in the Middle East and beyond. Understanding this complex history is crucial for comprehending the current geopolitical landscape and addressing the challenges posed by extremism.

Response 13: American Involvement in the Middle East: Criticisms and Consequences

_Mistakes in the War on Terrorism_:

– Prince Turki criticizes America’s approach to the war on terrorism after 2001, which he sees as an “unstoppable and never-ending story.”

_Identifying the Enemy_:

– He suggests that the focus should have been on defeating Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda specifically, rather than engaging in a broad and open-ended war on terrorism.

_Missed Opportunities_:

– Prince Turki points out two missed opportunities: when Bin Laden was on the run in Afghanistan in 2002-2003 and when he was in Tora Bora. He believes that if Bin Laden had been captured or killed at these times, it could have marked a significant victory in the war on terrorism.

_Mistakes in Iraq_:

– He criticizes the decision to invade Iraq, which he sees as based on fabricated intelligence about weapons of mass destruction.

_Consequences of the Iraq War_:

– The dismantling of Iraq’s bureaucracy after the invasion created a power vacuum that allowed extremist groups, such as Al-Qaeda and Iran, to gain influence in the country.

_Syria and the Red Line_:

– Prince Turki criticizes President Obama’s “red line” statement in Syria, which he believes led to the current situation where Russia, Iran, and Bashar al-Assad continue to have significant influence in the country.

_Neglect of the Palestinian Issue_:

– He emphasizes the importance of addressing the Palestinian issue, as it is often used as a rallying point by various groups in the region.

Response 14: Prince Turki Alfaisal’s Remarks and the Importance of the Meeting

_Prince Turki’s Appreciation for Kasia and Nelika_:

– Prince Turki Alfaisal expressed gratitude to Kasia and Nelika, acknowledging their role as a valuable channel of communication between the parties involved. He highlighted the significance of their contributions to the ongoing dialogue.

_Documentation of the Meeting_:

– The Prince emphasized the importance of having documentary proof of the meeting, considering that it was being televised. He noted that the existence of such proof would prevent any future attempts to deny the occurrence of the meeting.

_Invitation to Enjoy the Visit_:

– Prince Turki extended a warm invitation to Kasia and Nelika, encouraging them to enjoy their stay and their travels. He expressed his hope that they would have a pleasant experience during their visit.

_Prince Turki’s Concluding Remarks_:

– The Prince reiterated his appreciation for their presence and encouraged them to enjoy their time. He emphasized the importance of the meeting and the value of the ongoing dialogue.


Notes by: OracleOfEntropy