Wahhabism / Salafism

Arab nationalism was used by the Jews and the British as a tool to incite rebellion among parts of the Arab population against the Ottoman Empire, despite the fact that Islam prohibits rebellion against a legitimate ruler. To circumvent this, Wahhabism was established, claiming that all other Muslims were kuffar (non-Muslims) and that only an Arab leader from the Saudi family should rule. Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab (1703–1792) and Muhammad bin Saud (1687–1765) drew on the teachings of Ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328) to declare takfir (excommunication) on the Ottoman Caliph and other Muslims in an effort to establish an Arab dynasty under Saudi rule.

After their initial attempt failed, Wahhabism was expanded to get support from other Arabian leaders, ultimately evolving into modern Salafism. With support from European powers—through mass printing and dissemination of their doctrines, as well as British-supplied weapons—their ideology spread, resulting in significant bloodshed among Muslims. Eventually, the Jewish-British backed efforts succeeded in the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.