Shaykh Rabee’ Ibn Haadi al-Madkhali (may Allah preserve him) stated:

Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdul-Wahaab came and the dunyaa was in a state of darkness. He strove hard by calling to Allah and Allah guided many people by way of him. They were grave worshipers, superstitious, and misguided, and they became guided by way of him. Likewise, [when] Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah and the Imams of the Da’wah in India from amongst the Salafis came, the dunyaa was in a state of darkness. They spread this call and millions responded.

Allah said:

{ادع إلى سبيل ربك بالحكمة والموعظة الحسنة وجادلهم بالتي هي أحسن إن ربك هو أعلم بمن ضل عن سبيله وهو أعلم بالمهتدين}

“Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom, beautiful preaching and debate with them in a manner that is best. Indeed your Lord is most knowledgeable of those who have strayed from His path and He is most knowledgeable of those whom are guided.” (Soorah an-Nahl: 125)

Source: Majmoo’ Kutub wa Rasaa-il wa Fataawaa ash-Shaykh Rabee’ Ibn Haadi al-Madkhali V.2 pp.351-352

Translated by: Abu Yusuf Khaleefah
20th of Dhul Qa’dah, 1435 (15th of September, 2014)
Masjid Nur Allah, LeFrak City, Corona, NYC