> What is da'wah Salafiyah?

[salman]

:

The purpose of this discussion is to clear misconceptions about da'wah of Ahle Sunnah wal Jama'h known as da'wah Salafiyah. People have misunderstood the Salafi da'wah due to their lack of knowledge about the true purpose and meaning of Salafi da'wah. There is one group who call themselves Salafi but go to extreme and think of this da'wah as some kind of special manhaj. The other groups consists of innovators, deviants and heretics who disagree with sunni 'aqeedah and many of them end up slandering sunni 'ulama (scholars).

The Messenger of Allah (sal-allahu 'alayhi wa salam) started preaching the true deen of Allah Ta'ala; the Salaf (May Allah be pleased with them) continued following his footsteps and spread the message of true Islam as far as they could. Later on, Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (May Allah pleased with him), who was one of the Salaf, stood firm against the innovators and deviants and protected the sunni 'aqeedah from being hijacked by them. Few centuries later, Shaykh ul-Islam ibn Taymiyaah (rahimahullah) revived the Salafi da'wah again and followed the footsteps of Imam Ahmad and successful predecessors (the Salaf) and his students i.e. Imam ibn al-Qayyim, Imam Ad-Dahabi (May Allah have mercy on them) continued on following their Shaykh's footsteps. Again, few centuries later Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abdul Wahab (rahimahullah) revived the Salafi da'wah and many contemporary 'ulama continue to follow his footsteps. Most of the mujahid 'ulama have been Hanbali as the other three madhab were overtaken by the innovators and deviants i.e. Asha'ris.

One of the biggest misconceptions about Salafis is that they forbid following a madhab and interpret the text by themselves. However, this is completely incorrect. Laymen Salafis do not just pick a book of hadith or Qur'an and start interpreting it according to their understandings. We ask our scholars as Allah Ta'ala has commended us in the Qur'an. Shaykh al-Albani (rahimahullah) said: "We were suffering from blind following (taqleed) and now we are suffering from a free-for-all!". People need to understand that Salafis claim that we follow the Qur'an, the Sahih Sunnah and the understanding of the Salaf. The four Imams (Abou Hanifa, Malik, Shafee'e, Ahmad - May Allah be pleased with them) were among the Salaf; how can we disallow anyone to follow their understanding of the deen? We don't forbid a student of knowledge or an a'alim who hasn't reached the level of ijtihad to make taqlid of a madhab but when the evidence from Sunnah or Qur'an is clear to him then it is obligatory upon him to adhere to what Qur'an or Sunnah says and reject the opinion of the imam if it goes against the Qur'an or Sunnah. As far concerning a layman, he has no madhab; his madhab is the madhab of the mufti from whom he takes the fatwa; this topic in details have been discussed here

The following terms are commonly used for people who adhere to the da'wah Salafiyah: Salafi, Ghayr Muqalid, Wahabi

1 - Salafi: A person who believes in Salafi/Sunni 'aqeedah

2 - Ghayr Muqalid: A person who does not make taqlid of any of the four madhab.

3 - Wahabi: A slandering term used for those who loves and respect Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abdul Wahab (rahimahullah)

A person can be Salafi in 'aqeedah and something else in fiqh i.e. hanafi or ghayr muqalid and if you're a Salafi then you got to love Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abdul Wahab (rahimahullah). In conclusion, all of three terms have different meanings.

wallahu a'lam (and Allah knows best)

[salman]

An Introduction to the Salafi Da'wah

Introduction

The Salafi Da'wah is that of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. It is the Religion of Islam - pure and free from any additions, deletions or alterations. It is to adhere to the Path of the Messenger (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and of the True Believers (as-Salaf us-Salih). As-Salaf is a collective term referring to the Pious Pioneers in Islam and all those who follow in their footsteps in belief, actions and morals.

Allah has said (what means): Whoever contends with and contradicts the Messenger after guidance has been clearly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that of the Faithful Believers, We shall leave him in the Path he has chosen and land him in Hell, what an evil destination! [An Nisa 4:115].

Shaikh ul-lslam ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) commented on this ayah: "All who contradict and oppose the Messenger (S), after the right path has been clearly shown to them, have followed other than the Path of the Believers. And all who follow other than the Path of the Believers have contradicted and opposed the Messenger (S). If one thinks that he is mistaken in following the Path of the Faithful Believers, he is in the same position as one who thinks that he is mistaken in following the Messenger (S)."

Who are the "Salaf?"

As-Salaf us-Salih (or briefly: the Salaf) refers to the first and best three generations of Muslims. They are the Companions (Sahabah) of the Prophet (S), their immediate followers (Tabiun), and the followers of the Tabi'in. These were praised by the Prophet (S): The best of people is my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them [Bukhari and Muslim]. The term Salaf applies also to the Scholars of Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah after the first three blessed generations who followed their way in belief and practices.

Allah (T) said (what means): The first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirin (those who migrated from Makkah to al-Madinah in obedience to Allah) and the Ansar (the citizens of al-Madinah who gave aid to the Muhajirin), and also those who follow them in the best way; Allah is well pleased with them, and they are with Him [At-Tawbah 9:100].

Among these scholars are (the number following the name is the Hijri year of death): Abu Hanifah (150), al-Awzai (157), ath-Thawn (161), al-Laith bin Sad (175), Malik bin Anas (179). Abdullah bin al-Mubarak (181), Sufyan bin 'Uyainah (198), ash-Shafi'i (204), Is'haq (238), Ahmad bin Hanbal (241), al-Bukhari (256), Muslim (261), Abu Dawud (275), Ibn Taymiyyah (728), adth-Dthahabi (748), Ibn ul-Qayyim (751), Ibn Kathir (774), Muhammad bin 'Abdil Wahhab (1206) and his many students, and, in our time: 'Abd ul-'Aziz bin Baz, Muhammad Nasir ud-Din al-Albani and others.

Who are the "Salafis?"

The description "Salafi" applies to one who truly attaches himself to the Salaf. This attachment is not to an arbitrary single person or group of people. It is an attachment to that which will never err - to the guidance of Muhammad (S), his Sahabai, and their true followers. Likewise, Salafiyyah (the Salafi Da'wah) is not blind following of any particular Shaikh or Imam. It is adherence to the Qur'an and Sunnah as understood and practiced collectively by as-Salaf as-Salih. A true Salafi values Tawhid, singling out Allah in all acts of worship: in supplication, in seeking aid, in seeking refuge in times of ease and hardship, in sacrifice, in making vows, in fearing and hoping and total reliance, and so on. A true Salafi actively seeks to remove shirk (polytheism) with all his capacity. He knows that victory is not possible without true Tawhid, and that shirk cannot be fought with the likes of it (i.e., with another form of shirk). A true Salafi adheres to the Sunnah of the Prophet (S) and of his companions after him.

The Prophet (S) said, Adhere very closely to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided successors after me; bite on to it with your molar teeth, and beware of the newly invented matters. [Authentic; recorded by Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidthi. Whenever there is a difference of opinion, a true Salafi refers matters to Allah and His Prophet (S), acting in accordance with the ayah: If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day, that is better and more suitable for final determination [An-Nisa 4:59]. He gives precedence to the Word of Allah and of His Prophet (S) over the opinion of anyone else, in according with the ayah: Believers! Do not put your opinions forward ahead of Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily Allah is All-Hearing and All-Knowing. [Al-Hujurat 49:1].

A true Salafi revives the Sunnah of the Prophet (S) in his worship and behavior. This makes him a stranger among people, as the Prophet (S) has described: Islam began as a stranger, and it will revert to being a stranger just as it began. So give glad tidings to the strangers. [Recorded by Muslim]. And he (S) said in another narration: So give glad tidings to the few, those who purify and correct what the people have corrupted of my Sunnah. [Authentic; al-Albani's as-Silsilat us-Sahihah number 1273].

A true Salalfi enjoins the good and forbids the evil. He warns people, out of deep concern, about shirk, innovations, misguided ways, and of deviant, destructive groups: Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong [Aal Imran 3: 104].

A true Salafi constantly seeks Allah's forgiveness, makes true repentance, remembers Allah abundantly, and rushes to perform the righteous deeds in order to purify his soul. Thus he attempts to follow the ayah: Truly he succeeds who purifies it (i.e., the soul) [Ash-Shams 91:8].

A true .Salafi worships Allah out of a combination of Fear, Hope and Love. Allah says (what means): Call upon Him, with Fear and Hope. [Al-Araf 7:56]. And He says (what means): There are people who take [for worship] alleged rivals to Allah, loving them as only Allah should be loved. But the Believers love Allah more than all else. [Al-Baqarah 2:165].

A true Salafi is not of the Khawarij who consider most Muslims to be kafirs (disbelievers) because of committing sins. He is not of the Shiah who revile the Sahabah, who claim that the Qur'an has been altered, who reject the authentic Sunnah, and who worship the Prophet's Family. He is not of the Qadariyyah who deny qadar (the Divine Decree). He is not of the murjiah who claim that iman is only words without deeds. He is not of the Mu'attilah who deny Allah's Attributes. He is not of the Sufis who worship graves and claim Divine incarnation. He is not of the Muqallidun who insist that every Muslim should adhere to the Madth'hab (understanding) of a particular imam or shaikh, even when that madth'hab conflicts with the clear texts of the Qur'an or authentic Sunnah.

Thus the true Salafs are Ahl us-Sunnati wal-Jamaah. They are at-Ta'ifat ul-Mansurah (the Aided, Victorious Group) and al-Firqat un-Najiyah (the Saved Party) which have been described in several hadiths. The Messenger (S) said: A group from my Ummah (nation or community) will always be aided with victory as they continue to persevere upon the Truth; they will not be harmed by those who abandon them or those who oppose them. [Recorded by Muslim]. And he (S) said: This Ummah will split into seventy three parties, all of which will go to Hell - except for one party: the one which will follow the same path as what I and my companions are following today. [Authentic; recorded by Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidthi, and others]. In one report he (S) described this Saved Party as: ... except for one party, which is the Jama'ah.

Upon comprehending this, a Muslim has no option but to be salafi. In doing so he attaches himself to that group which has been guaranteed success, victory, salvation and safety from the Fire.

The Fundamental Principles of the Salafi Da'wah

The Salafi Da'wah stands upon the principles of Tawhid and Tazkiyah.

Tawheed

Tawhid means to accept and believe in the oneness of Allah (T) and in the uniqueness of His Message. It means to worship Allah (T) alone, and to worship Him in accordance with His legislation. Tawhid encompasses the following principles:

1. To believe in Allah's existance and ownership of the creation, which is sometimes referred to as the Tawhid of Rububiyyah (Allah's being the only True Lord or Rabb). Allah (T) says (what means): Praise be to Allah (T) the Lord of the Worlds. [Al-Fatihah 1:2]. And He says (what means): Allah is the Creater of all things, and He is in charge of all things. [Ash-Shura 42:11].

2. To believe that Allah possesses the attributes of perfection and the Most Excellent Names, as mentioned in the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah, and in accordance to their literal Arabic meanings without denial of these attributes or likening them to the attributes of His creation. This is sometimes referred to as the Tawhid of Asma' and Sifaat (Names and Attributes). Allah (T) says (what means): Say: He is Allah the One, Allah the Self Sufficient Master (whom all creatures need). He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is nothing comparable to Him. [Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4]. And Allah also says (what means): There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. [Ash-Shuirai 42:1 1 ].

3. To believe that Allah is the only one worthy of worship and full obedience, which is sometimes referred to as the Tawhid of 'Ubudiyyah or 'Ibadah (worship), or of llahiyyah or Uluhiyyah (state of being the only True God or Ilah). Allah says (what means): And the Mosques are for Allah (alone) so do not invoke anyone along with Allah. [Al-Jinn 72:18]. and He says: Whoever looks forward to meeting his Lord, let him do righteous deeds, and let him not ascribe unto anyone a share in the worship due to his Lord [alone]. [Al-Kahf 18:110].

4. To believe in the uniqueness of Prophet Muhammad's (S) Message and in the obligation to follow him exclusively. This is sometimes referred to as the Tawhid of Ittiba (adherence). Allah (T) said (what means): Say [Mubammad]: If you really do love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Al-Imran 3:31].

The Salafi Manhaj (methodology) maintains that these forms of Tawhid are inseparable from one another. They are the essence of the meaning of the testimony: "La ilaiha illa 'Llah, Muhammadun Rasulu 'Llah" (There is none worthy of being worshipped except Allah, and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger). The Salafi methodology places special emphasis on the Tawhid of Ittiba' because of the general tendency among many Muslims to neglect it. Thus it emphasizes the following items.

1. Belief that the revelation to the Prophet (S) is the final revelation, and that it is composed of two complementary and inseparable parts: the Qur'an and the Sunnah. The Prophet (S) said: I have indeed been given the Qur'an and, along with it, something similar to it. [Authentic; recorded by Abu Dawud and ad-Darimi]. And he (S) said: As long as you hold fast to two things which I have left among you, you will never go astray: Allah's Book and my Sunnah. [Authentic; recorded by al-Hakim].

2. Belief that obedience to the Messenger must be absolute, and that his position is unapproachable by anyone else among humanity. The Prophet (S) is alone to be obeyed and followed. All beliefs, statements, deeds and morals which conflict with his teachings are to be rejected and avoided. Believers! Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn away from him when you hear (his Message). [Al-Anfal 8:20].

3. Directing perfect love to Prophet Muhammad (S), which should be exhibited in adherence to his commands, swiftness in obeying him, putting his statements above and ahead of all others, studying his Sirah, and studying and implementing his Sunnah in everyday life. The Prophet (S) has said: None of you believes until I become more beloved to him than his father, child and all mankind. [Recorded by Muslim].

It is unfortunate that true adherence to the Way of the Prophet (S) has weakened in the Ummah and true love for him has all but disappeared because of:

* Abandoning his Sunnah and removing it from our daily lives, belittling it, and developing an attitude of pride and arrogance toward it.
* The spread of numerous unsubstantiated and fabricated hadiths among Muslims.
* The spread of many bid'ahs (innovations) among Muslims.
* Blind following of a specific madth'hab (Taqlid).
* Delivering Islamic verdicts without knowledge or evidence.
* Ceasing to implement the Shari'ah (Islamic laws) throughout the lands of Islam and replacing it by the ways and laws of the Kuffar (disbelievers).

Tazkiyah

Tazkiyah, on the other hand, means to be purified or to purify oneself by adhering to Allah's commands. In its best form, it would be to worship Him with complete surrender, submission, and devotion. This is a great favor that Allah (T) bestowed on this Urnmah. Allah did confer a great favor upon the believers when He sent a Messenger (i.e., Muhammad (S)) from amongst themselves reciting unto them His signs (i.e., the Qur'an) and purifying them (from sins and ignorance by adopting his way) and instructing them in the Book (the Qur'an) and Wisdom (the Sunnah) while before they had been in manifest error. [Al 'Imran 3:164]. The following points should help clarify the true meaning of Tazkiyah.

1. The Qur'an and Sunnah are the only sources for Tazkiyah.

2. The Prophet (S) is the purest of mankind in his soul. His character reflected the teachings of the Qur'an. Therefore, he is our model for Tazkiyah. Allah says (what means): Indeed in the Messenger of Allah is a beautiful pattern of conduct to follow for anyone whose hopes lie in Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah abundantly. [Al-Ahzab 33:21].

3. The Prophet's Companions and the rest of the Salaf are, as a group, a fine model to be followed in Tazkiyah.

4. There is no way of drawing closer to Allah except by adhering to what Prophet Muharnmad (S) came with. The Prophet (S) has said: If anyone introduces into this affair of ours (i.e., the religion of Islam) anything which does not belong to it, it will be rejected from him. [Recorded by Muslim].

5. There is no way to attain Tazkiyah but through the teachings of Islam. Allah says (what means): O you who believe! Enter into Islam wholeheartedly (i.e., obey all the regulations of Allah and His Messenger) and follow not the footsteps of Shaytan. Verily! He is to you an open enemy. [Al-Baqarah 2:208]. Thus there can be no Tazkiyah through deviant approaches of various groups, such as the Sufis who have corrupted the beliefs and practices of the Muslims.

6. The Salafi Manhaj represents the true exemplification of piety. It is Iman without hypocrisy, purity without corruption.

The Aims and Objectives of the Salafi Da'wah

The Salafi Da'wah is not a political party or a new madth'hab. Rather, the Salafi da'wah is that of Islam in its totality, addressing all humanity irrespective of culture, race, or color. It is the complete and perfect methodology of understanding Islam and acting according to its teachings.

Consequently, the aims of the Salafi Da'wah are no different than those of the Da'wah of Islam. Therefore the Salafis remain distinct from the various sects and groups in the way and methodology of their Da'wah. They call to Islam as a whole - to its correct understanding and implementation. Misguided groups and deviant sects emphasize and call to particular aspects of Islam, thereby neglecting its other aspects to suit their own needs, as well as losing sight of the purpose and perspective for which they have been created; which is, as Allah has stated (meaning): I have not created Jinn and people except (for this purpose): that they may worship Me. [Adth-Dthariyat 51:56]. And He has said (what means): And they were not commanded except with this: that they should worship Allah (alone), being sincere in His Din and being Hanifs (upright, true and conscientiously turning away from Shirk). [Al-Bayyinah 98:5]. This, in essence, is the call of all the Prophets: calling to the Tawhid of Allah, to the annihilation of shirk, to sincerity in His worship, to obedience to His Messengers, and to adherence to their way. This is also the essence of the Salafi Da'wah. This can further be itemized into the following practical objectives:

1. Return to the sublime Qur'an and to the Prophet's authentic Sunnah, and comprehend them both in accordance with the understanding and practice of as-Salaf: This conforms with what Allah (T) said (what means): If anyone contends with the Messenger even after the Guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that of the believers, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell: What an evil abode! [An-Nisa 4:115]. And: So if they believe as you believe (the companions of the Messenger (S)), they are indeed on the right path. [Al-Baqarah 2:137].

2. Caution Muslims and exhort them to cleanse their lives of all forms of: shirk (polytheism), bid'ahs, and philosophy or other thoughts alien to the pure, essential tenets of Islam. This is a duty that Allah (T) enjoined upon us: Help you one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sinning and transgression. [Al-Maidah 5:2].

3. Cleanse the Sunnah of the weak and fabricated narrations. The problems referred to in this and the previous point have marred the clarity of Islam and have prevented the progress of Muslims. This puts on us the responsibility referred to by the Messenger (S): A trustworthy group from every generation will carry this knowledge, expelling from it the alterations made by those going beyond bounds, and the false claims of the liars, and the misinterpretations of the ignorant. [Authentic recorded by Ibn Adiyy and others].

4. Educate Muslims and urge them to comply with the true Din, to act according to its teachings, and to adorn themselves with its virtues and ethics. This will ensure Allah's acceptance and will realize for them happiness and honor, as indicated in the following: By the passing time, man is indeed in [a state of] loss, except those who attain to faith and do good deeds, and those who enjoin upon one another the keeping to truth, and enjoin upon one another patience in adversity. [Al 'Asr 103:1-3].

5. Strive to revive Islamic thought within the boundaries of Islamic principles, and oppose stubborn adherence to madth'habs and prejudiced loyalty to parties. These problems have diverted Muslims from the pure original sources of Islam, and have deviated them from the honest Islamic brotherhood called to by Allah: And hold fast all together, by the rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves. [Al 'Imran 3:103]. And by His Messenger (S): Be, worshippers of Allah, one brethren. [Al Bukhari and Muslim].

6. Present realistic Islamic solutions to contemporary problems, and strive to resume a true Islamic way of life and to establish a true Islamic society governed by Allah's law. Allah (T) said: Hence, judge between them in accordance with what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their errant views. [Al-Maidah 5:49].

We call upon all Muslims to support us in carrying out this noble trust which will surely elevate and honor them and spread the eternal message of Islam all over earth. Allah (T) has promised this, and His promise is surely true: He it is who has sent forth His Messenger with [the task of spreading] guidance and the religion of truth, in order to make it prevail over all [false] religion, however hateful this may be to those who ascribe divinity to aught but Allah. [As-Saff 61:9]

Misconceptions about the Salafi Da'wah

There following are is a number of misconceptions about the Salafi Da'wah:

1. Calling as-Salafiyyah a "movement" or "movements." It should be clear to all that the Salafi Da'wah is Islam, no more and no less. It is the True Islam with all its teachings and implications. Anyone who talks about it as an outsider might as well talk about Islam as an outsider! It is the teachings of the Qur'an and the authentic Sunnah in the light of practices and understanding of as-Salaf: A "movement" is meant to indicate something temporal or reactionary, whereas the Salafi Da'wah is the only true and constant and blessed Da wah of the prophets.

2. Thinking or claiming that the Salafs are followers of a fifth madth'hab which is attributed to Ibn Taymiyyah or Ibn Baz or al-Albani. This is a grave misconception. As stated above, the Salaf sources are the Qur an, the Sunnah, and the methodology of as-Salaf: If these scholars rely in their ijtihad on these sources then we take what they say, not because they said it, rather because Allah or His Messenger said it or called to it directly or indirectly through the known channels of ijtihad. The same applies to all scholars throughout the ages. We take from them all what conforms with the Qur'an and the Sunnah and we reject what does not.

3. The Salaf Da'wah is against all forms of 'asabiyyah and hizbiyyah (baseless allegiance for parties, factions, races, nations, etc). The only allowed allegiance is to Allah and His Messenger and to what stems from it. The leader of all Salafis is Muhammad (S). Anyone else will be respected and obeyed in as much as he obeys Allah and His Messenger. Claiming that the Salafi Da'wah calls its followers to be disorganized and chaotic in their behavior is another misconception. Work has to be organized and orderly, as was taught by the Messenger (S) on many occasions, but it should avoid the hizbiyyah disease described above.

4. The Salafi Da'wah puts a strong emphasis on tarbiyah (education and cultivation). This is not a mere academic educational process; rather, it is a complete process which is meant to raise committed Muslims who understand their Din and who practice it in the best possible way.

We ask Allah (ta'ala) to guide us to the truth, to steady our feet, and to forgive our shortcomings.

Source: An Introduction to the Salafi Da'wah

[salman]

What Is Salafiyah?

Question: What Is Salafiyah?

Question: Salafiyah is following the way of the Prophet (sal-Allahu 'alayhe wa sallam) and his Sahabah for they are our Salaf (predecessors) who preceded us, so following them is Salafiyah. As for taking Salafiyah as a special Manhaj (Methodology) such that everyone who differs with it is considered astray even if he was on the truth; then this is beyond doubt opposite to Salafiyah.

All the Salaf called to Islam and to unite upon the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger (sal-Allahu 'alayhe wa sallam) and they did not declare astray anyone who differs with them (in a certain issue) because of (a different) interpretation (Taweel), except in matters of Aqeedah (beliefs) because they considered him, who differed in Aqeedah as astray.

But, in our time, some who took the path of Salafiyah consider astray everyone who differs from them even if the truth were to be on his side. And they took a Hizbi (partisan) Manhaj, just like the other Hizbs (parties), who divide the religion. This (their way) must be rejected and not be approved of.

It is said, 'Look at the way of the Salaf as-Salih and what did they do in regards to differences and wideness of their hearts with regards to Ikhtilaaf (differences) in matters in which Ijtihad was feasible. (They differed with each other) to the degree that they differed in big issues, in (minor) issues of Aqeedah and (minor) issues of knowledge - for example, some of them denied that Allah's Messenger (sal-Allahu 'alayhe wa sallam) saw His Lord and some of them confirmed of it. Some of them said, 'the deeds would be weighted on the Day of Judgment', whilst others held that 'the books which record the deeds will be weighed.' They also differ in matters of Fiqh, Marriage, obligations, buying and selling, etc. Despite this, they did not declare each other astray.

Thus, Salafiyah that is taken to mean a special party (Hizb) with specific rules whose members consider anyone who differs with them as astray then they have nothing to do with Salafiyah.

But the Salafiyah that is to follow the Salaf in beliefs, sayings, actions, their way of differing and unity, their way of being merciful and compassion to one another as the Prophet (sal-Allahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said, "You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it." ⁽¹⁾

Then this is the true Salafiyah.

Shaykh Muhammad Salih ibn 'Uthaymeen (rahimahullah)
Source: Liqaa-al-Baab al-Maftooh, #1322
Published: Monday 29th May, 2006

Footnotes:
1 - Aqeedah: The principles and specific details of belief that one holds in his heart. (ex. Tawheed, Eemaan). Shaykh al-Bani(rahimahullah) said: "The sign of Ahlus-Sunnah is that they follow the Salafus-Saalih and abandon all that is innovated and newly introduced into the Deen." [Al-Hujjah fee Bayaanil Mahajjah 1/364]

Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) said: "It is not for anyone to place for the ummah a person calling to his path showing loyalty or enmity because of that path other than the Messenger of Allah (sal-Allahu 'alayhe wa sallam). And it is not permissible to place for them speech, show loyalty or enmity because of it other than the speech of Allah and His messenger (sal-Allahu 'alayhe wa sallam) and that which The Ummah has united upon. Rather, this is what the people of innovation do who place for themselves a person or some speech and they divide with it the ummah, showing loyalty or enmity upon that person or that kalaam or that attribute." [Majmoo' al-Fataawa vol. 20, pp. 124]

[salman]

What Is Salafiyah?

Question: What is As-Salafiyah and what is your opinion regarding it?

Answer: All praise is due to Allah alone, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger, his family and his Companions.

To proceed: "As-Salafiyah" is an attachment or affiliation to the 'Salaf'. And "The Salaf" are the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (sal-allahu 'alayhi wa salam) and the Imams of guidance (may Allah be pleased with them) from the first three generations, those whose goodness Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu 'alayhi wa salam) bore witness to in his statement: "The best of mankind is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them. Then there will come people where bearing witness of one of them will precede his taking an oath and his taking an oath will be his bearing witness."

[Reported by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal in the 'Musnad', 'Al-Bukhari', and Muslim] ^(*)

And "The Salafiyoon [or Salafis]" is the plural of "Salafi", an attachment or affiliation to the Salaf, and its meaning has already preceded above - and they are those who traverse upon the Methodology (Manhaj) of the Salaf in following the Book of Allah and the Sunnah [of the Messenger of Allah], and inviting to them, and acting upon them, and they are, due to this, Ahle Sunnah wal Jama'h.

* - Imam Ahmad: (4/426). Al-Bukhari: (2651). Muslim: (2535).

Shaykh 'Abdul 'Aziz Bin Baz (rahimahullah)

Source: Fatawa Al-Lajnah Ad-Da'imah, (2/165-166). Fatwa No. (1361).

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What Is Salafiyah?

Shaykh Salih ibn Fowzan al-Fowzan was asked: It has become frequent on the tongues of the people that so and so is "Salafi" and so and so is "not Salafi" so what is meant by the Salafi Manhaj, and who are the most predominant callers to it from the 'ulama of the Muslims? And is it permissible to call them Ahle Sunnah wal Jama'h or the Saved Sect? Also wouldn't this be considered a Tazkiyah (praise) of oneself?

He answered: The meaning behind the Salafi Manhaj is that which the Salaf (predecessors) of this ummah were upon, from the Sahabah, the Tabi'een and those esteemed Imams from correct 'Aqeedah, sound Manhaj and true Iman as well as strictly adhering to Islam based upon 'Aqeedah, the legislation, etiquette and (good) manners. In contrast to that which the Mubtadi'ah, the deviant and astray are upon.

From the most predominant callers to the Salafi Manhaj are the four Imams (Imam Abu Haneefah, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi'ee and Imam Ahmad), Shaykh ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Shaykh Muhammad Ibn 'Abdul Wahab and his students and other than them from every rectifier and reformist as there is no time period except that there is someone who establishes the [call to the truth] for Allah.

There is no problem in them calling themselves Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama'ah distinguishing themselves from those who follow deviant Mathahib and this is not a Tazkiyah (praise) of oneself but indeed it is only a distinction of the people of truth from the people of Batil.

Source: Al Muntaqa Min Fatawa As Shaykh Salih Al Fawzan:1/459

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Are the Salafis A New Sect?

Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan was asked: Is Salafiyyah a hizb (party) from amongst the parties. And is ascribing to them (i.e. the Salafis) a blameworthy thing?

To which he replied: As-Salafiyah (i.e. the Salafis) is the Saved Sect, and they are Ahle Sunnah wal-Jama'h. It is not a hizb (party) from amongst the various parties, those which are called "parties" today. Rather they are the Jama'h, the Jama'h upon the Sunnah and upon the Deen (religion). They are Ahle Sunnah wal-Jama'h. The Messenger (sal-allahu 'alayhi wa salam) said, "There will not cease to be a group from my Ummah manifest and upon the truth not being harmed by those who forsake them neither by those who oppose them" and he (sal-allahu 'alayhi wa salam) also said, "And this Ummah will split into seventy-three sects, all of them in the Hellfire but one". They said, which one is this O Messenger of Allah? He replied, "They are those who are upon what I and my companions are upon today". Hence Salafiyah is a group of people (i.e. the Salafis) upon the madhab of the Salaf, upon what the Messenger (sal-allahu 'alayhi wa salam) and his companions were upon and it is not a hizb from amongst the contemporary groups present today. Rather it is the very old Jama'h, from the time of the Messenger (sal-allahu 'alayhi wa salam) which inherits (this way) and continues, and which never ceases to be upon the manifest truth until the establishment of the Hour, as he (sal-allahu 'alayhi wa salam) has informed (us).

Source: (Cassette: at-Tahdheer min al-Bid'ah second cassette, delivered as a lecture in Hawtah Sadeer, 1416H).

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Ruling on saying "I am a Salafi"

Question: I have come to know a person who follows the Salafi da'wah and I have read a book about this movement. I believe that the Salafi da'wah is correct and that those who follow it have the sound 'aqeedah belief), but there are some matters I want to ask about How correct is it from an Islamic point of view to use the word "Salaf" and to describe oneself in this way? If a person says that he is a Salafi, is he praising himself? Is this considered to be dividing the ummah? If we tell the Sufis that their madhhab is not correct, and that neither the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) or his Companions taught it, they will respond that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) or his Companions did not use the word "Salafi" either, so how should we reply to them?

Answer: Praise be to Allah. We can answer this question with the following points:

Each person is obliged to follow the guidance of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his Companions. This is the way of Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa'ah and the followers of the righteous predecessors (al-salaf al-saalih). Allah says (interpretation of the meanings):

"Say (O Muhammad): 'This is my way; I invite unto Allah with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me with sure knowledge. And Glorified and Exalted be Allah (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the mushrikeen (polytheists' those who worship others along with Allah or set up rivals or partners to Allah)." [Yoosuf 12:108]

"And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way, We shall keep him in the oath he has chosen, and burn him in Hell' what an evil destination!" [al-Nisa' 4:115]

Whoever follows the way of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) belongs to the salaf al-saalih, even if the people call him something else; by the same token, whoever goes against it and deviates from the Sunnah is an innovator, even if he claims to be a Salafi.

If a person calls himself a Salafi to express his gratitude for having been guided to this way, or to clearly distinguish himself from innovation, then this is OK and is allowed in Islam. But if he says it only for the purpose of praising himself, then this is not allowed, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): " therefore justify not yourselves" [al-Najm 53:32 Yusuf 'Ali's translation]. Similarly, it is not allowed if it is said in a spirit of tribalism or sectarianism, because such attitudes are forbidden, as is clear from the following story: Jaabir ibn 'Abd-Allah said: "A man from the Muhaajireen shoved a man from the Ansaar from behind, so each man's people gathered around him, saying 'O Muhaajireen (come and help)!' or 'O Ansaar (come and help)!' News of this reached the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and he said, 'Stop this, for it is repulsive.' Then he said, 'What is this call of the people of jaahiliyyah? What is this call of the people of jaahiliyyah?'" (Reported by Imaam Ahmad, 14105; the hadeeth is also to be found in al-Saheehayn). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) called it the call of the people of jaahiliyyah and described it as repulsive, even though the words "Ansaari" and "Muhaajiri" are Islamic words, the first referring to those who supported Allah and His Messenger, and the second referring to those who left the land of kufr and migrated to Allah and His Messenger. Why were they described in this manner? Because in this instance, the words were not used in a permissible fashion; the usage was a sectarian and political one that could have led to fighting between the two groups. The same applies to the word "Salafi".

If the Ahl al-Sunnah and the salaf draw a line between themselves and the innovators, this is not considered to be dividing the ummah, as those who criticize the use of this word think is the case, but this distancing of oneself has to be done in accordance with the degree of bid'ah whether it is major or minor and should be regulated by the overall interests of the Islamic da'wah.

The Sufi claims mentioned in the question are not valid. The denunciation is not merely because of the word "Sufi", which is a general word that may be applied to things approved of in Islam, such as asceticism (zuhd) and fear of Allah, or it may be applied to innovations such as monasticism and extremism. Rather the denunciation is because of the various types of shirk, major and minor, that are connected with Sufism and its tareeqahs. The word Tasawwuf (Sufism) now refers to the Sufi tareeqahs and the kinds of innovations they have. Sufism as is obvious from their books and how Sufis actually are includes deviant ideas of kufr, such as hulool (incarnation or the belief that the Creator may be indwelling in His creation exalted be Allah above what they say), ittihaad (union) and wahdat al-wujood (pantheism or the unity of existence, which is the belief that the Creator and His creation are the same thing, and that everything in existence is Allah exalted be Allah above what they say), and going to extremes in what they say about the awliya, in addition to their innovations in the matter of acts of worship and awraad (du'aa's).

The one who is seeking salvation has to work hard to gain beneficial knowledge and do righteous deeds, and he should avoid vain arguments and futile discussions in which there is no benefit.

We ask Allah to help us and you to follow the truth and act upon it. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

Source: Ruling on saying "I am a Salafi"

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It is not correct to differentiate between the Salafis and Ahle Sunnah

Question: What is your view of those who differentiate between the Salafis and Ahl al-Sunnah, and who regard the Salafis as a more specific group than Ahl al-Sunnah, and they that the principles of this group are based on the opinions of the group's shaykhs?

Answer:

This is not correct, because the Ahl al-Sunnah are those who follow the Sahaabah and the path of the Salaf (the early generations of Islam). These are not two distinct groups, and the Salafis are not a more specific group!

According to the terminology that is well known, the Salaf are the Sahaabah and those who follow their path, and the Ahl al-Sunnah are those who follow the Sunnah of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). They are the ones concerning whom the hadeeth was reported: "Whoever follows the same path as me and my Companions" (The hadeeth about the saved group).

Stirring up disputes and conflict on the grounds of names alone is not permissible. Allah has commanded the believers to be united and has forbidden them to be divided and warned them against that.

The individual's aim must be to seek the truth, and when he speaks he should say what is fair and just, and not hate individuals in such a way that his hatred makes him reject the truth that the person is saying, or look for faults in him. He should not come up with things that are ambiguous or far-fetched for that purpose. This is not the way of Ahl al-Sunnah, and the Muslim has to like for his brother what he likes for himself. He must be sincere towards him, and hold love and sincerity in his heart.

Source: It is not correct to differentiate between the Salafis and Ahl al-Sunnah

[salman]

As-Salamu 'Alaykum

Shaykh al-Albani (rahimahullah) held the view that the Muslims who are upon the Sunni 'aqeedah and methodology should call themselves Salafi. His reasons were that every heretical and innovators groups call themselves Sunni or Muslim so it's not enough to call yourself "Sunni" or "Muslim". However, as far as I know, many of the contemporary Salafi 'ulama do not agree with him and I think that's the correct view as something doesn't become obligatory in Islam unless there's sound Islamic text supporting it. May Allah Ta'ala reward Shaykh (rahimahullah) for his ijtihad. If anyone is curious here's what Shaykh (rahimahullah) said in the tape "I'm Salafi" while answering the question, "Allah Has Named us Muslims, So Why Ascribe Ourselves to the Salaf?":

Shaykh al-Albani: When it is said to you, "What is your madhab", what is your reply?

Questioner: A Muslim

Shaykh al-Albani: This is not sufficient!.

Questioner: Allah has named us Muslims [and he recited the saying of Allah Most High]: "He is the one who has called you Muslims beforehand." [Surah al-Hajj 22:78 - interpretation of the meaning]

Shaykh al-Albani: This would be a correct answer if we were in the very first times (of Islam) before the sects had appeared and spread. But if we were to ask, now, any Muslim from any of these sects with which we differ on account of aqeedah, his answer would not be any different to this word. All of them the Shi'ite Rafidi, the Khaariji, the Nusayri Alawi would say, "I am a Muslim". Hence, this is not sufficient in these days.

Questioner: In that case I say, I am a Muslim upon the Book and the Sunnah.

Shaykh al-Albani: This is not sufficient either.

Questioner: Why?

Shaykh al-Albani: Do you find any of those whom we have just mentioned by way of example saying, "I am a Muslim who is not upon the Book and the Sunnah?" Who is the one who says, "I am not upon the Book and the Sunnah?"

[At this point the Shaikh then began to explain in detail the importance of being upon the Book and the Sunnah in light of the understanding of the Salaf us-Saalih]

Questioner: In that case I am a Muslim upon the Book and the Sunnah with the understanding of the Salaf us-Saalih.

Shaykh al-Albani: When a person asks you about your madhab, is this what you will say to him?

Questioner: Yes

Shaykh al-Albani: What is your view that we shorten this phrase in the language, since the best words are those that are few but indicated the desired intent, so we say, "Salafi"?

wallahu a'lam (and Allah knows best)

[salman]

ما هي السلفية