SUFFIS:

 

The name Suffi is derived from the Arabic noun, "suf," which means wool. The importance of wool to the Suffis is based upon the account that this is the traditional material that Muhammad's garments were made of. This sub-group embraces Islam in more of a mystical and spiritual way as compared to other Muslim groups. Suffis believe that their personal union with their god, Allah, is obtained not only through traditional prayer and meditation but by dancing in a twirling motion known as the "Dervish Dance." Members of this group oftentimes travel throughout the world to present colorful and highly skilled dancing performances to the general public.

Suffis are considered as a controversial sect within Islam due to their variance with fundamental Islamic teachings and traditions. The religious leaders of the Suffis are called "Shayks" who provide spiritual counsel and personal guidance to their followers.

WAHHABIS:

 

This group was organized by Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab in Saudi Arabia approximately two-hundred years ago. Wahhab determined that all Muslim sects had strayed from the straight path of Islam and that the fundamental teachings of Muhammad had to be restored. In this regard,

Wahhabis have become the most aggressive followers of Islam in their strict adherence to the basic teachings of the Qur'an and the Shari'a form of Islamic jurisprudence. They are closely aligned with the royal family of Saudi Arabia through marriage and their strict religious influence controls Saudi life to this day.

The goals of the Wahhabis movement are to restore the core teachings of Islam as observed during the first four caliphs that succeeded Muhammad. They are also very much against the encroachment of Western influence into the Middle East and have been at odds with the royal family for establishing ties with the United States and other non-Islamic countries. The ruling power of Saudi Arabia greatly rests within Wahhabi influence and internal disagreements over the present political relationships with Western nations is likely to cause the overthrow of Saudi royalty, much the same as when the Shah of Iran was deposed in 1979 by hardline Islamic fundamentalism.