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 texts and advocates for a return to what it considers the original principles of Islam. Wahhabism rejects practices it views as innovations or deviations from the faith, such as the veneration of saints. The movement gained significant influence through an alliance with the House of Saud, which helped establish the modern state of Saudi Arabia. Today, Wahhabism is often associated with the promotion of a particular form of Sunni Islam and has been linked to various religious and political movements worldwide.