{"_id":"68a73e37ab60fa7b30403480","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"What is Salafism and how does it differ from following the Salaf?\\n\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"What exactly is Salafism, and is there a difference between Salafis and the Salafist movement? I’ve heard accusations against those who aren’t Athari or Hanbali, like claims that Ashʿaris believe Allah does not speak.\\n\\nAlso, is salatul tasbih a valid prayer, or is it considered bidʿah?\\n\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"The word Salaf in Arabic means “those who came before,” i.e., the early generations of Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ praised the first three generations: the Companions, the Followers, and the Followers of the Followers. \\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"“The best of people are my generation, then those after them, then those after them.” (Bukhārī, Muslim)\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nAll Sunni Muslims respect and follow the way of the Salaf (early generations), because their knowledge and practice were passed down to later generations through the various schools that have existed throughout history.\\n\\nWhile many schools have disappeared, seven authoritative Sunni schools remain: the Ḥanafī, Mālikī, Shāfiʿī, and Ḥanbalī schools of law, and the Ashʿarī, Māturīdī, and Atharī schools of creed. All of these are upon the way of the Salaf, because their knowledge was transmitted from the Salaf, preserved, and passed down without interruption. Therefore, every Sunni Muslim who adheres to these traditions (madhhabs) is, by definition, a follower of the Salaf.\\n\\nBy contrast, the modern movement known as Salafism, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, claims that these traditions strayed from the teachings of the Salaf, and that they alone represent the early generations. They reject adherence to the established Sunni schools, instead calling for a return to a supposedly “pure” Islam. In this sense, they are similar to Protestant reformers who claimed to return to the earliest Christianity. The fundamental flaw in this claim is that there is a gap of more than 1,200 years between the actual Salaf and the Salafi movement. None of the latter studied with the Salaf, nor did they inherit their teachings through authentic transmission. The teachings of the Salaf were preserved only by the Sunni schools they reject. Thus, their claim to follow the Salaf is an empty one, and their ideology is deceptively dangerous.\\n\\nThe true followers of the Salaf were the generations of scholars who studied directly with them, such as the great mujtahid imams — Abū Ḥanīfa, Mālik, al-Shāfiʿī, and Aḥmad — who then passed on that knowledge generation after generation until today. They are the real Salafīs (followers of the Salaf), whereas Salafism is merely a modern ideology, influenced by European reformist thought, built upon empty claims, and carrying a destructive message.\\n\\nFor this reason, no one can claim to truly follow the Salaf except by adhering to the authentic Sunni traditions. Otherwise, they are following their own personal interpretation, not the way of the Salaf whom they never met.\\n\\nAs for those who accuse others of misguidance, do not involve yourself with them. Do not engage in argumentation. If they try to involve you, remind them: scholars debate with scholars, but laymen must keep quiet.\\n\\nRegarding what is said about the Ashʿarīs or any other Sunni school, do not believe everything you hear. Do yourself a favor that will benefit you in this world and the next: ignore debates and accusations and instead take knowledge from a reliable scholar who adheres to one of the Sunni traditions mentioned above.\\n\\nYes, salat al-tasbih is a recognized and credible prayer. Just because someone has not heard of it does not make it a bidʿah.\\n\\nFinally, ignore the noise on the internet and the words of those who speak without knowledge. Hold firmly to the Sunni tradition and focus on improving your relationship with your Lord through sound, authentic knowledge, sincere practice, and self-purification.\\n\\nMay Allah grant you guidance and success.\\n\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668da0170b76658b4c232de6","tag":"Salah: Special & Sunnah","count":69},{"_id":"668d9fe50b76658b4c232867","tag":"Aqeedah: Sects and Religions","count":68}],"createdOn":"2025-08-21T15:41:43.622Z"}