born 1703, 02BD; Uyaynah, Arabia
died 1792, Al-Dir 02BD; 012B; yah
Islamic theologian and founder of the Wahh 0101; b 012B; movement.
Educated in Medina, he spent several years teaching in Iraq and Iran. He reacted against what he perceived as the extremism of various sects of Sufism , setting out his ideas in the Book of Unity (1736). He stressed a conservative observation of Islam, rejecting polytheism and condemning reverence of saints and the decoration of mosques. His views were controversial; eventually he settled in Nejd, where, in alliance with Ibn Sa 016B; d , his teachings found favour and grew dominant.