The Discussion of the Reasons for the Relationship between the Association of Algerian Muslim ʿUlamā and the Extreme Salafism

The Association of Algerian Muslim ʿUlamā is one of the most famous religious-cultural organizations in Algeria. The reputation of this Association, in the history of the reforms and culture, goes beyond Algeria and covers many countries around the world. There are dual perspectives about the relationship between this Association and the Salafi movement which has led to doubts about the subject. The discussion of the reasons for this relationship, based on the words and deeds of the prominent members and the founders of this Association, is the main topic of this article proven by a narrative-historical analysis. The explicit expressions of many prominent members of this Association with regard to the reliance of the Association on the Salafi movement, supporting the Wahhabi movement in Algeria through vindicating and legitimating it in many works and articles of these members, acknowledging the closeness and equality of the intellectual and ideological foundations at the roots of the most fundamental issues like monotheism and polytheism, and the mutual support and relationship between Wahhabi rulers and the members of the Association are among these reasons. Based on this analysis, an initial denial of the attribution to Wahhabism by the members of the Association and a public call for anti-Wahhabi groups at the beginning of the formation of this Association are based on the public hatred of the traditional Algerian society towards Wahhabism as an extremist sect which is beyond the framework of Islamic religions and getting an opportunity to set up and stabilize the place of the Association in the traditional Algerian society which is strongly influenced by Sufism.