Title: Useful as a work of historical theology; lacks insight to contemporary Islam
Product review: Wahhabi Islam by Natana DeLong-Bas is one of few comprehensive studies on Wahhabism written in English. The focus Abdul al-Wahhab's teachings is admirable, but leaves one with the feeling that Wahhabi Islam is about some notional classical Wahhabism with no bearing on the present day. Early in the book DeLong-Bas takes great pains to disassociate al-Wahhab from the well-known story that he and Muhhamed ibn Saud fused religion, politics and tribal violence to create a powerful political dynasty. If Wahhab was the unwilling rhetorical partner in Saudi expansionism, the co-option of his name and aspects of his teaching by the al-Saud is the more interesting and relevant story. DeLong-Bas makes no attempt to reconcile the Wahhabism of her her book, with the Wahhabism of contemporary Saudi Arabia.
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