After the demise of its founder Tension plagues Yemens Salafyya movement [Archives:2002/20/Local News]

BY: HASSAN AL-ZAIDI
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
The Salafyya movement in Yemen is currently experiencing internal splits after the death of its founder Muqbel al-Wadei last year.
The disputes triggered after the exchange of insults between al-Hajuri, who is in charge of the al-Dawa Center in Damaj area, Saada governorate, and the successor of al-Wadei at the center as well as Abu al-Hassan al-Marebi, head of Dar al-Buhuth Center in Mareb.
Sheikh Muqbel al-Wadei appointed last year through a will a number of scholars as authoritative sources for the Salafyya movement.
Eighty sheikhs and center heads across Yemen called in a statement labeled as a clearance of conscience, the current situation as a great sedition. They also proposed eight conditions to end the current dispute within the Salafyya movement.
Abu al-Hassan al-Marebi and al-Hajuari exchanged accusations following Abu al-Hassens formation of the Welfare House Association in Sanaa. This association is branded as illegitimate by the other societies belonging to al-Wadei followers.
The two parties have since agreed to dissolve the association, however the dispute continues.
Analysts believe that the current disagreement amongst the top leadership of the Salafyya movement is all about who should have the upper-hand in running the affairs of the movement if it goes further, particularly as Abu al-Hassen al-Marebi has gained much respect following the demise of the late al-Wadei.
The movement has formerly split into three sects: Yemeni Hekma Association group, Ehssan Associations group, the Soruryun group as well as the Sheikh al-Wadeis group which is now again splitting heralds great change in Islamic movements in Yemen.
Sheikhs and clerics from Saudi Arabia tried to intervene in solving the disagreement but their attempts came to no avail.
The Sheikh al-Wadeis group is currently the largest one. It has more than 50 centers and mosques teaching the Salafyya doctrine.
The same group holds strange beliefs about democracy and elections. They also consider disobedience of the established rule as totally prohibited.

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