What does Salafim mean?

Salafism is a group of Islam who strive to follow and adhere to the ways and teachings of the Salaf Saliheen (pious predecessors of Islam). Salaf means predecessor or ancestor. That could be anyone who has passed. Saliheen means pious.

The Salaf Saliheen are the Muslim scholars of the first three generations of Islam. These are the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), the Tabi'in (students of the Companions) and the Atba Tabi'in (followers of the Tabi'in).

Salafism is actually not a separate sect in Islam like the Khawarij, Shism or Murjia are. It is a name that has recently been made up to distinguish itself from other sects. Salafism is actually Sunnism, but with a different name.

Several people claim to be Sunni. It is then difficult for a true Sunni to distinguish himself. So that is done, among other things, with the term Salafi.

Creed of a Salafi

The teaching of a true Salafi is that of the pious predecessors in Islam. Thus, the books of the pious predecessors of Islam are considered important.

The Aqeedah (belief) of a Salafi is the same as that of an actual Sunni. The Quran and the Prophetic traditions are taken as a guideline along with the interpretation of the Salaf Saliheen.

Much value is also attached to Tawheed. Of all the groups, true Salafism places the greatest emphasis on worshiping Allah without partners. That is one of the things that distinguishes them.

There is a difference between the teachings of a Salafi and a Wahhabi. Wahhabis follow the teachings of Muhammad ibn Abdulwahhab, who was active in the 18th century. The term Salafi refers to following the golden ages of Islam, also known as the era of the Salaf Saliheen.

Salafis strive to follow the middle path in Islam. By avoiding innovations in religion, Salafis live according to the understanding of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions. And thus this teaching is that of Ahlu Sunnah wal Jamaah.

Now several people claim to be Salafi without it being true. A true Salafi is a person who clings to whatever corresponds to what the pious predecessors of Islam believe.

The followers of Salafism do not take their teachings from those after the first three generations of Islam. They hold strictly to the sound and original creed, which should be taken from the first three generations of Islam.

Abu Athari

Abu Athari writes about basic principles within Islam. He uses his critical and well-researched way to spread knowledge of the first three Muslim generations.

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