Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab (MIAW) was an 18th-century Islamic reformer, scholar, jurist, and writer. He is considered the first modern Islamic fundamentalist and extremist. He believed that for Muslims to be "true Muslims" they must adhere "only and strictly to the original beliefs set forth by Muhammad." (ask.com) This idea gave rise to what many know today as the controversial Wahhabi movement. Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab was born into a society dominated by polytheistic beliefs. From a young age, he rejected these religious values. He looked to the teachings of the Prophet for guidance. By examining his life and comparing it to that of Muhammad the Prophet, one can notice similar life experiences. As Natana J. Delong-Bas points out in Muhammad Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab: An Intellectual Biography, as there appear to be parallels between the lives of the two individuals, we must remember that some of al-Wahhab's actions "reflect a self-conscious attitude. effort on the part of MIAW himself to engage in such personal creation. (quote) Al-Wahhab placed great importance on studying and following the examples of Muhammad. Because of the great importance he placed on Muhammad, it is fair to assume that some of his works and actions similar to those of the Prophet were consciously planned. There are, however, certain experiences that are clearly outside of al-Wahhab's control, but which nevertheless prove to be similar experiences that the Prophet faced. Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab was born in 1702 in al-Uyaynah, the Najd province of Arabia. He grew up in Najd at a time when polytheism was widespread. (web page) The people of Najd believed in the supernatural powers of trees, rocks, tombs and shrines. They sought blessings and benefits... middle of paper ...... al- Wahhab traveled to Dareyya, where he made an agreement with ruler Muhammad bin Saud to help the emergence of the first state Saudi Arabia, which was based on the religious ideas of al-Wahhab. In 1773, MIAW retired from his political life and devoted himself "to learning, teaching and worship until his death in 1791". (quote)When comparing the life of Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab and that of the Prophet, there are many differences and similarities to point out. Within Al-Wahhab was born in an environment very similar to that of the Prophet. Both lived in a state of corrupt polytheism. However, the Prophet, as an orphan, did not have the parental support that al-Wahhab received. Al-Wahhab's teenage years contrasted with those of the Prophet. When al-Wahhab was a teenager, he was busy studying and participating in debates while the Prophet did work as a shepherd to try to help him pay for his living. QUOTE