Oconnen let me explain to you. David25 is right. As with all religions, sects have formed throughout their history which have opposed the orthodox view. Islam is no different. Traditional Islam initially had 2 political divisions - Sunni and Shia. It is important to note this was not a doctrinal or theological difference. In general, traditional sunni and shias are very similar in their practices and beliefs. This is different to the protestants and orthodox difference in christianity where there were theological difference. the majority of muslims are sunnis approx. 90%. Traditionally Muslims sought their knowledge through 2 principles: Ijma and Ijaza. Ijma is the consensus of the scholars and Ijaza is certification from an approved scholar that permits one to transmit the knowledge. An approved scholar it needs to be noted is one that have a lineage of learning traced back to the original source of knowledge i.e the prophet. As can be seen this preserves the knowledge and its application in spirit and context and prevents the corruption of the religion. A sect forms when they transgress from these 2 principles especially the consensus and hence the creation of reformers. Now reformers or sects have been present throughout the history of Islam as in other religions, yet what makes Wahabism dangerous is their literalist approach. This was unanimously rejected by the traditional scholars. However, Muhammed Ibn Wahab, rejected by his own father ( a scholar), found sanctuary with the Saud tribe where the saids adopted the wahabi doctrine. Thereafter started chaos to the muslims of that era. However, this threat was eventually diminished under the control of the Ottoman Empire, however, power was established under british authority after the fall of the ottoman empire. The link below explains the history.
Unfortunately in Australia, USA and parts of Europe where traditional Islam didn't establish communities that were embedded, Wahabism and its strain in salafism is the default where a large number of muslims albeit the moderated version. However the brand opens itself to extremism especially when scholarship is not vetted and scrutinised in traditional orthodox Islam. This is the opposite in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. However, the wahabis and salafis have succeeded greatly in infiltrating into the traditional knowledge of these regions and financed to spread the falsehood at a time when traditional Islam and its institutions were being dismantled and weakened.
A lot of you would not know, but Traditional sunnis have 2 schools of thought in theology (ashari and maturidi), 4 schools of thought in islamic law or sharia (shari, maliki, hanafi and hanbali) and many spiritual orders (sufism). This is mainstream Islam practiced throughout the world. The wahabis have bloody hijacked it to make it look like what they practise is mainstream. the west needs to deal with this ideological issue as in the wahabi/salafi world, their interpretation,often in the absence of context and logic, will take not only Islam but the world back to the 7th century if they are allowed. thankfully in Australia more traditional scholars are visiting and there is a greater recognition of traditional teachings, but it is still difficulty against institutions that are already established and appeals to the modern generations of muslims in this world.
I never understand the continuing support of the US to Saudi - my only feeling is they do recognise this and as with their support of other despots will continue to aid in the upheaval of the islamic world. Hence the attitude that while they are fighting and in animosity with each other, the muslims will not prosper and be a threat to the western world. However, it is already a problem for the west and will keep increasing imo where the real victims are the civilians of the regions whilst the political elite benefit.
