Wa|ha|bi

Wa|ha|bi or Wah|ha|bi «wah HAH bee», noun, plural -bis.

a member of a strict Muslim sect, founded in the 1700's and now dominant in Saudi Arabia, which adheres rigidly to the Qur'an as a guide, rejects all other writings except those of Muhammad's companions, denounces the worship of, or prayers to, the saints, and bars elaborate ritual, dress, or decoration.

╂[< Arabic Wahhābī < 'Abd al-Wahhāb, 1691-1787, a Muslim reformer]