Obituary of Rabi’ al-Madkhali and Madkhalism: The Quietist Salafi Voice in Tumultuous Times

By New Age Islam Correspondent 26 September 2025 The death of Sheikh Rabi’ ibn Hadi al-Madkhali marks a turning point in the modern history of Salafism. Born in 1931 in the remote village of Madkhala in southern Saudi Arabia, he rose to become one of the most influential voices of quietist Salafism. While much of the Muslim world has witnessed Salafi movements that gravitated toward militancy, revolution, or political power, Madkhalism under Rabi’ al-Madkhali stood apart. It insisted on obedience to Muslim rulers, advocated for pacifism in the face of political turmoil, and demonstrated deep loyalty to the religious establishment. As we remember him, it is essential not only to recount his life but also to understand how his ideas shaped a path in Salafism that sought to refute militancy, offering instead a model of submission, scholarship, and avoidance of political strife. Including his own words helps us see not only his principles but the manner and tone in which he argued. Main Points: 1. Rabi’ al-Madkhali has a legacy that is very important but also divides opinions. To authoritarian governments, he was a supporter who weakened opposition. To militants, he was an opponent who questioned their purpose. To his supporters, he was a protector of the true beliefs of Salafism. 2. His advice to students clearly showed his goals: 3. I charge myself and my salafī brethren. with utmost responsibility over knowledge. so that we become scholars at par. prevent disobedience and sins from befalling the ummah and protect the people from bid'ah and misguiding paths. 4. In this counsel lies the essence of Madkhalism: obedience, patience, and rejection of rebellion 5. His legacy was quieter—less exciting, but very important in shaping Salafi ideas. In a Muslim world caught between revolution and repression, Madkhalism offered a third choice: peace through obedience. Whether this is seen as being cowardly or wise depends on how you look at it. But with his death, a special voice in Salafism has gone quiet, leaving behind discussions that will go on long after him. ------- Introduction: The Quiet Passing of a Quietist Sheikh Rabi' ibn Hadi al‑Madkhali died in 2025, which closed a significant chapter in global Salafism. He might not be famous beyond Islamic scholarship and activist circles, but his thoughts impacted debates regarding adherence to authority and militancy among Muslims. While other Salafi leaders opposed rulers and participated in revolutions, al‑Madkhali resorted to quite another method—instituting rigorous submission, strong rhetoric in opposition to dissent, and some form of active reticence. His death necessitates learning about his thoughts afresh and their implications in light of his unequivocal disapproval regarding jihadist militancy. From Madkhala to Madinah: A Journey Through Scholarship Rabi' al-Madkhali was born in Madkhala in south Saudi Arabia near Yemen in 1931. He was from ordinary circumstances and would later make his mark at the Islamic University in Madinah. Madkhali was one who studied hadith and was immensely respected among Salafi scholars by virtue of his literary mastery. His true source of renown was not necessarily in his scholarship alone but in having a robust debating ability and professed loyalty to the state of Saudi Arabia. With Muslim Brotherhood activism and revolutionary movements coming into vogue, Madkhali became their fiercest critic. The Origin of Madkhalism Out of his teaching was what is called Madkhalism. Although it is part of the bigger Salafi group, Madkhalism differs. Jihadi Salafis sought to overthrow rulers, and political Salafis participated in elections and parties, yet Madkhalis preached quietism of a stricter kind. They not only refrained from politics but discouraged any dissension. The fundamental notion was to be loyal to rulers even if they were corrupt or unjust as long as they did not forsake Islam. Madkhali's principal statement revealed how serious he was regarding early generations of Islam: "But between yourself and us is the Salaf, and between yourself and us are books of the Salaf." This emphasis on textual fidelity was levied against adversaries—from Jihadis to Brotherhood operatives—whom he held to have defected from the authentic Salafi tradition. Denouncing Militancy Among Madkhali's most enduring legacies was his refutation of militancy. Despite jihadist rhetoric extolling rebellion and martyrdom, he called for forbearance and submission. While al‑Qaeda and other ISIS declared rulers apostates and war upon them, Madkhalis believed rebellion would usher in blood and chaos. His discourse was not like that of militant orators: “Upon you are lofty manners such as patience, forbearance, truthfulness and firmness upon the truth – may Allah bless you.” This call for calm and self-restraint lessened violence's allure. For many young Muslims, his call was a religious alternative to ideas about militancy. Pacifist Salafism Madkhali's disciples propagated his ideology in mosques, schools, and religious societies. There, they became a respectable group backed by the regime. Thereby, they fought occasionally—but always alongside ruling leaders rather than revolutionary movements. Their support for leaders was firm, backed by Madkhali's harsh prohibitions on outside intervention: "Don't look for help from outside organisations. Instead, be autonomous with what Allah endowed you with, no matter how minimal. Receiving funds from outside centres and non-Salafi organisations will make you lose your Salafi thought system." This mistrust of organisations like the Muslim Brotherhood, which had intertwined religion and politics and commerce, became the core of Madkhalism. Comparing Madkhalism with Other Salafi Currents Salafi Current Main Goal / Strategy View of Rulers Use of Political Power / Militancy Attitude towards Innovation / Innovation Accusations Jihadi Salafism Overturn unjust rulers; establish a caliphate; often take arms. Rulers often seen as illegitimate, corrupt, apostate. Must be opposed. Militancy and violence are central. Accuse others of being too lax; accuse innovation, but also accept their own radical revisions. Political Salafism Use political institutions (elections, parties) to gain power or influence Sharia. Some criticism of rulers: try to reform from within or gain power. Less violence; more political organising; sometimes cooperating. Debate over innovation; more compromise; maybe seen as more flexible. Quietist Salafism (general) Emphasis on worship, creed, avoiding politics; keep distance from power. Often critical, but do not rebel; sometimes tolerant of rulers. No militancy; no organised political opposition. Accusations of being passive, still strict on creed. Madkhalism (Rabi’-al-Madkhali style quietism) Not only quietism, but active defence of rulers; very strong rejection of rebellion; priority to obedience to ruler. Loyal, even if rulers err; criticism only via scholars, but publicly supportive generally. No support for militancy; sometimes legitimising the status quo. Very strict on innovation; strong labelling of those who deviate; high concern for manhaj purity. Quotes from Rabi’ al-Madkhali: His Own Voice Here are some of Rabi’ al-Madkhali’s own words, which help us see how he framed his arguments: On lofty manners, patience and truthfulness: “Upon you are lofty manners such as patience, forbearance, truthfulness and firmness upon the truth – may Allah bless you.” This shows his emphasis not only on doctrine but also on character On sufficiency and avoiding reliance on foreign organisations: “Also, do not extend your hands to organisations like ‘Ihya at-Turāth … rather be self-sufficient with what Allah gave you from wealth, even if it’s little … For indeed, the Salafī call was established upon the backs of the Salafīs with what they had from little wealth and much poverty. … receiving money from the non-Salafī foreign centres and organisations leads to the loss of as-Salafīyyah.” This reflects his concern that financial dependence on organisations can compromise ideological purity On innovation and invitation: “The people of innovation have now filled much of the earth … Therefore, we do not boycott everybody; rather, those people are in need of our invitation. … As for their plotting leaders … These are the people that are fought and warned against.” He draws a distinction between lay followers who are misled and leaders who actively promote innovation. On returning to the books of the Salaf: “Between us and you is the Salaf, between us and you are the books [of the Salaf].” He places a strong weight on traditional sources and sees them as the boundary between his position and the position of those he considers innovators or erring. Advice to youth, on holding to the rope of Allah: “I advise myself and my salafī brothers … to have serious concern for knowledge … so as to move up to the level of scholarship … lead the ummah … deter the ummah from disobedience and sins and shield the people from innovations and misguidance …” The focus is both personal piety and collective moral guidance, through knowledge. On being sharp, knowing truth, avoiding deception: “Be intelligent and noble. Know the truth and strive to follow it. Hold on to it with your molar teeth … if somebody errs … if he is a salafī – but we do not accept his error nor do we give it any consideration … whoever is in accordance with the truth we aid him and support him upon the truth.” Madkhali attracted his own share of criticism. He was described as a "palace scholar" and was blamed for supporting brutal regimes. He was viewed by the jihadis as traitorous, and by reformists as standing in the way of legitimate opposition. Even other quietist Salafis believed his support for leaders was overbearing. Madkhalis took these criticisms as proof of how strongly they believed in their cause. As he once said: The Madkhali Current and India In India itself, Madkhalism never gained much popularity. Indian Islam, as shaped by Sufi, Deobandi, and Barelvi schools, did not permit such blind loyalty to leaders. Yet ties with the Gulf and cyber religious circles allowed some Indian Muslims to hear about Madkhali writings. For youths inclined to radical jihadist thought, Madkhali's non-violent orientation to Salafism might provide an alternative perspective. Yet his emphasis on submission was contrary to India's tradition of democracy, where protest and dissent are vital constituents of public discourse. Thus, though not rampant, Madkhalism has hada quiet influence over some religious debates within India. Legacy and Lessons Rabi’ al-Madkhali has a legacy that is very important but also divides opinions. To authoritarian governments, he was a supporter who weakened opposition. To militants, he was an opponent who questioned their purpose. To his supporters, he was a protector of the true beliefs of Salafism. His advice to students clearly showed his goals: I charge myself and my salafī brethren. With utmost responsibility over knowledge. so that we become scholars on par. prevent disobedience and sins from befalling the ummah and protect the people from bid'ah and misguiding paths. In this counsel lies the essence of Madkhalism: obedience, patience, and rejection of rebellion. Conclusion: The Lasting Whisper Against the Roar Rabi’ al-Madkhali will not be remembered as well-known as jihadist leaders or popular Islamist politicians. His legacy was quieter—less exciting, but very important in shaping Salafi ideas. In a Muslim world caught between revolution and repression, Madkhalism offered a third choice: peace through obedience. Whether this is seen as being cowardly or wise depends on how you look at it. But with his death, a special voice in Salafism has gone quiet, leaving behind discussions that will go on long after him. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/obituary-rabi-al-madkhali-madkhalism-salafi-tumultuous/d/136990 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism