Wahabism is an Islamic movement that originated in the 18th century in Saudi Arabia. It is a strict and conservative interpretation of Islam, emphasizing the literal interpretation of the Quran and Hadiths. The movement is also known as Salafism, which is derived from the Arabic word "salaf" meaning "ancestors" and refers to the early generations of Muslims. Other synonyms for Wahabism include "puritanical Islam," "fundamentalist Islam," and "radical Islam," which are often used to describe the strict and rigid beliefs of the movement. Some critics of the movement also refer to it as "Islamist extremism," which highlights the violent and intolerant actions of some followers.