Madkhalism

Madkhalism. It is a contemporary, highly politicized strand within the broader Salafi movement of Sunni Islam, distinguished by its absolute political quietism and unwavering loyalty to established rulers. The movement derives its name from its primary modern ideologue, the Saudi scholar Rabee al-Madkhali. Its core doctrine mandates complete obedience to the ruling authorities in Muslim-majority countries, prohibiting any form of political dissent or rebellion, which has led to its characterization as a form of "Salafi quietism" and has generated significant controversy within the Islamic world.

Origins and historical context

The ideological foundations of the movement are traced to the teachings of the Medinan scholar Muhammad al-Madkhali, the brother of Rabee al-Madkhali. It emerged as a distinct faction in the late 20th century, primarily within the religious and political context of Saudi Arabia following the Gulf War. The movement positioned itself in direct opposition to more activist and jihadi currents within Salafism, such as those inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood or figures like Juhayman al-Otaybi. Key early supporters included scholars like Ali al-Halabi and Mashhur Hasan Salman. The movement gained institutional support through its alignment with the Saudi religious establishment, including the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta and the Senior Scholars Commission.

Core beliefs and ideology

The central tenet is an extreme interpretation of the Islamic concept of wali al-amr (obedience to the ruler). This requires absolute submission to the ruling authority, forbidding any criticism, protest, or rebellion under virtually all circumstances, even in cases of perceived tyranny or corruption. The movement vigorously promotes al-wala' wa-l-bara' (loyalty and disavowal), directing it primarily against other Muslim groups it deems deviant. It is characterized by intense theological polemics, known as jarh wa ta'dil, against rival scholars and movements, whom it frequently labels as Kharijites, Qutbists, or Hizbiyyun (partisans). Its methodology strictly adheres to the Athari creed and rejects any form of political participation or democratic process.

Influence and spread

The movement has found its most significant base of support within Saudi Arabia, where its quietist doctrine aligns with the interests of the House of Saud. It has also established notable followings in other Arab monarchies like Jordan, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates. Beyond the Middle East, it has developed communities and study circles in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, France, and Sweden, as well as in North America. Its influence is propagated through specific publishing houses, websites, and satellite television channels that promote the works of Rabee al-Madkhali and his associates. The movement has been utilized by several Arab states as a counterweight to more revolutionary Islamist ideologies.

Relationship with other Islamic movements

Madkhalism is defined by its vehement opposition to nearly all other organized Islamic movements. It considers the Muslim Brotherhood to be among its primary ideological enemies, accusing it of innovation and political sedition. It similarly rejects Salafi jihadism as represented by Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, as well as Tablighi Jamaat and Hizb ut-Tahrir. Its relationship with mainstream Salafism is complex; while sharing core theological beliefs, it is often isolated due to its extreme political quietism and its practice of excommunicating other Salafi scholars. The movement also strongly condemns the Arab Spring uprisings and any form of revolutionary activism.

Criticism and controversy

The movement faces widespread criticism from across the Islamic spectrum. Many scholars, including other Salafi figures like Albanian-born Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani and Syrian Abd al-Rahman Abd al-Khaliq, have criticized its excessive loyalty to rulers and its divisive polemics. Detractors accuse it of being a tool for state authoritarianism, providing religious cover for oppressive regimes and ignoring injustices. Its practice of publicly defaming other scholars has been condemned as sowing discord within the Muslim community. The movement's stance during events like the Arab Spring, where it condemned pro-democracy protesters, and its positions regarding the Syrian civil war and the 2013 Egyptian coup d'état, have been particularly contentious.