Page 15 - Questionable Teachings ofISLAM

P. 15

Questionable Teachings of Islam:

One Billion People Deceived

SUFFIS:

The name Suffi is derived from the Arabic noun, "suf," which means wool. The importance
of wool to the Suffis is based upon the account that this is the traditional material that
Muhammad's garments were made of. This sub-group embraces Islam in more of a
mystical and spiritual way as compared to other Muslim groups. Suffis believe that their
personal union with their god, Allah, is obtained not only through traditional prayer and
meditation but by dancing in a twirling motion known as the "Dervish Dance." Members
of this group oftentimes travel throughout the world to present colorful and highly skilled
dancing performances to the general public.

Suffis are considered as a controversial sect within Islam due to their variance with
fundamental Islamic teachings and traditions. The religious leaders of the Suffis are called
"Shayks" who provide spiritual counsel and personal guidance to their followers.

WAHHABIS:

This group was organized by Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab in Saudi Arabia
approximately two-hundred years ago. Wahhab (1703-1792) determined that all Muslim
sects had strayed from the straight path of Islam and that the fundamental teachings of
Muhammad had to be restored. In this regard, Wahhabis have become the most
aggressive followers of Islam in their strict adherence to the basic teachings of the Qur'an
and the Shari'a form of Islamic jurisprudence. They are closely aligned with the royal
family of Saudi Arabia through marriage and their strict religious influence controls Saudi
life to this day.

The goals of the Wahhabis movement are to restore the core teachings of Islam as
observed during the first four caliphs that succeeded Muhammad. They are also very much
against the encroachment of Western influence into the Middle East and have been at odds
with the royal family for establishing ties with the United States and other non-Islamic
countries. The ruling power of Saudi Arabia greatly rests within Wahhabi influence and
internal disagreements over the present political relationships with Western nations is
likely to cause the overthrow of Saudi royalty, much the same as when the Shah of Iran
was deposed in 1979 by hard-line Islamic fundamentalism.

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