Discover the true origins of Wahhabism in Natana DeLong-Bas’s groundbreaking study, “Wahhabi Islam: From Revival and Reform to Global Jihad.” Challenging common misconceptions, this book offers an in-depth analysis of founder Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab’s original writings. Far from being the inspiration for modern global jihad, DeLong-Bas reveals a reformer advocating peaceful coexistence, contextualized scriptural interpretation, and women’s rights. Explore a nuanced perspective on jihad, limited to self-defense, and understand why contemporary extremist ideologies diverge significantly from Wahhabism’s foundational principles. This essential read, a first for “The Bookish Owl,” revisits the core texts to dismantle stereotypes and clarify a misunderstood movement in Islamic thought.