Wahhabism is a conservative Islamic movement founded in the 18th century by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the Arabian Peninsula. It emphasizes a strict interpretation of Islamic theology and advocates for a return to what it considers the original practices of Islam. Wahhabism is often associated with the Saudi state and has influenced various aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. The movement rejects practices it views as innovations or deviations from pure Islam, such as the veneration of saints and the use of intermediaries in worship. Wahhabism has been both praised for its focus on monotheism and criticized for its intolerance towards other interpretations of Islam.