What was the main objective of the Wahabi Movement ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

The Wahabi Movement in India, initiated by Syed Ahmed Barelvi in the early 19th century, was fundamentally an Islamic revivalist movement. Its main objective was the "Purification of Islam" by returning the faith to what its followers believed were its original, pristine teachings as practiced in the early days of the Caliphate. The movement sought to purge popular Islam of all syncretic practices, local customs, and Sufi influences that had been absorbed over centuries, viewing them as innovations (bid'ah) that diluted the pure form of the religion. As the movement progressed, particularly after the loss of Muslim political power, it also adopted a militant dimension aimed at establishing *Dar-ul-Islam* (the land of Islam) by overthrowing foreign (British) and non-Muslim rule, but its core doctrinal goal remained religious purification and reform.

The incorrect option is 1: Establish good relations with the British.
The Wahabi Movement rapidly developed a strong anti-British stance, particularly as the British consolidated power in India. The movement viewed India under British rule as *Dar-ul-Harb* (the land of war) and actively organized military campaigns, especially along the North-West Frontier, making this option factually incorrect.

The incorrect option is 3: Support English Education.
The Wahabi Movement was deeply conservative and revivalist in its outlook, prioritizing traditional religious instruction and Arabic/Persian schooling. Unlike some later reform movements, the Wahabis generally opposed Western education and culture, seeing them as sources of moral and religious corruption.

The incorrect option is 4: Oppose social reform.
This option is misleading because the Wahabi movement was itself a massive internal social and religious reform movement, although its focus was entirely on purifying religious practice, not adopting modern Western social norms. They vigorously opposed what they considered social evils or un-Islamic customs within the community.