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Originated in Saudi Arabia
Madkhali rose and became famous in Saudi Arabia in the context of the 1990-1991 Gulf war as a defender of the Saudi royal family’s decision to allow U.S. troops on Saudi Arabia's ground. -
Prohibition of Jihad
Muhammad al-Madkhali declared the prohibition of jihad by then Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid as being contrary to sharia law. -
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Madkhalism's Decline in Saudi Arabia
Despite losing its audience in its country of origin (Saudi Arabia), the movement had grown outward by the early 2010s. The Madkhalists gained followers in western Kazakhstan. -
Demolition of Sufi Shrines
Islamists loyal to Muhammad al-Madkhali, one of the movement's figureheads, demolished Sufi shrines in Zliten in Libya using construction equipment and bulldozers. -
Largest Salafi Movement in Libya
In 2018, Libya’s Madkhalis were estimated to number tens of thousands, making them the largest Salafi movement in the country. -
Khalifa Haftar
In early 2019, Madkhalists continue to be supported by the Saudi government and have found common cause with Khalifa Haftar, also noted as Libya's most potent warlord.
