Salafi

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Salafi (Arabic: سلفي‎) is a word denoting one who ascribes her/himself to the Salaf of Islam, based on its meaning in the Arabic language. Amongst contemporary historians, it denotes a follower of a Sunni Islamic movement that takes the pious predecessors, the Salaf of the patristic period of early Islam, as exemplary models.^[1] The word Salaf is an Arabic noun which may be translated as "predecessor" or "ancestor".^[2] In Islamic terminology, it is generally used to refer to the first three generations of Muslims: the Sahaba ("Companions"), the Tabi‘un ("Followers") and the Tabi‘ al-Tabi‘in ("Those after the Followers"). These three generations are looked upon as examples of how Islam should be practised. Salafis tend to use a stricter interpretation of scripture,^[3] and follow the Athari school of Aqeedah. Salafism has grown to prominence ever since the First Saudi State captured Mecca and Medina in 1803.

Definition

Salafis view the first three generations of Muslims, who are Muhammad's Sahaba, and the two succeeding generations after them, the Tabi‘un and the Tabi‘ al-Tabi‘in, as examples of how Islam should be practiced. Salafist follow the hadith attributed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad: "The best of mankind is my generation, then those who come after them, and then those who come after them."^[4]

The principal tenet of Salafism is that Islam was perfect and complete during the days of Muhammad and his Sahaba, but that undesirable innovations have been added over the later centuries due to materialist and cultural influences. Salafism seeks to revive a practice of Islam that more closely resembles the religion during the time of Muhammad.^[5]

The term Salafism is sometimes used interchangeably with "Wahhabism". Adherents usually reject this term because it is considered derogatory and because they believe that Muhammad ibn Abd-al-Wahhab did not establish a new school of thought but revived the original teachings of Muhammad as was practiced by his companions and the earliest generations of Muslims. Salafis will never self-describe themselves as "Wahabis." Nonetheless, modern-day Salafis do regard Muhammad ibn Abd-al-Wahhab as a great Islamic scholar and reformer, a fact that is confirmed by their close adherence to his doctrinal teachings. It is claimed that adherents of Salafi movements describe themselves as Muwahidoon, Ahl al-Hadith,^[6] or Ahl at-Tawheed.^[7] However, the most common appellation is for Salafis to simply refer to themselves as Salafis.

History of Salafism

From the perspective of Salafis, the history of salafism starts with Muhammad himself. They consider themselves direct followers of his teachings as outlined in the Qur'an and Sunnah (prophetic traditions), and wish to emulate the piety of the first three generations of Islam (the Salaf). All later scholars are merely revivers (not 'founders') of the original practices. Modern scholars may only come to teach (or remind) Muslims of the instructions of the original followers of Islam.

Etymology

An example of early usage of the word salaf is in the hadith of Muhammad who noted, "I am the best Salaf for you."^[8]

Early usage of the term as an ascription appears in the book Al-Ansaab by Abu Sa'd Abd al-Kareem al-Sama'ni, who died in the year 1166 (562 of the Islamic calendar). Under the entry for the ascription al-Salafi he stated, "This is an ascription to the salaf, or the predecessors, and the adoptation of their school of thought based upon what I have heard." He then mentions an example or more of people who were utilizing this ascription in his time.^[9] In commenting upon as-Sam'aanee's saying, Ibn al-Athir noted: "And a group were known by this ascription." Thus the term Salafi, and its ascription to the group, was a matter known in the time of early Islamic scholars.^[10]

Early examples of usage

• Some scholars, such as Ibn Taymiyyah, have noted: "There is no criticism for the one who proclaims the madh'hab of the Salaf, who attaches himself to it and refers to it. Rather, it is obligatory to accept that from him by unanimous agreement because the way of the Salaf is nothing but the truth."^[11]

• The term salafi has been used to describe to theological position of particular scholars. Abo al-Hasan Ali ibn Umar al-Daraqutuni (d. 995 C.E., 385 A.H.) was described by al-Dhahabi as: "Never having entered into rhetoric or polemics, instead he was salafi."^[12]

• Also, al-Dhahabi described Ibn al-Salah, a prominent 12th century hadith specialist, as: "Firm in his religiosity, salafi in his generality and correct in his denomination. [He] refrained from falling into common pitfalls, believed in Allah and in what Allah has informed us of from His names and description."^[13]

• In another of his works, Tadhkirat al-huffaz, al-Dhahabi said of Ibn al-Salah: "I say: He was salafi, of sound creed, abstaining from the interpretations of the scholars of rhetoric, believing in what has been textually established, without recourse to unjustified interpretation or elaboration.^[14]

• In his book, Tabsir al-Muntabih, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani mentioned the ascription al-Salafi and named Abd al-Rahman ibn Abdillah ibn Ahmad Al-Sarkhasi al-Salafi as an example of its usage. Ibn Hajar then said: "And, likewise, the one ascribing to the salaf."^[15]

• Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani also used the term, salafi to describe Muhammad ibn al-Qaasim ibn Sufyan al-Misri al-Maliki (d. 966 C.E., 355 A.H.) He said that al-Malaiki was: "Salafi al-madh'hab – salafi in his school of thought."^[16]

Muhammad ibn Abd-al-Wahhab

Many Salafis today point instead to Muhammad ibn Abd-al-Wahhab as the first figure in the modern era to push for a return to the religious practices of the salaf as-salih or "righteous predecessors".^[17] His evangelizing in 18th century Saudi Arabia was a call to return to what were the practices of the early generations of Muslims.

His works, especially Kitab at-Tawhid, are still widely read by Salafis around the world today, and the majority of Salafi scholars still reference his works frequently.^[18] After his death, his views flourished under the generous financing of the House of Saud and initiated the current worldwide Salafi movement.

Muhammad Abduh, Jamal al-Din, Rashid Rida

In the opinion of certain contemporary historians, the use of the world Salafi to describe a revival movement within Islam started in Egypt in the mid 19th century among intellectuals at al-Azhar University, the preeminent center of Islamic learning, located in Cairo. Prominent among them were Muhammad Abduh (1849–1905), Jamal-al-Din Afghani (1839–1897) and Rashid Rida (1865–1935).^{[19][20][21][22][23]}

These early reformers recognized the need for an Islamic revival, noticing the changing fortunes in the Islamic world following the Enlightenment in Europe. Al-Afghani was a political activist, whereas Abduh, an educator, and head of Egypt's religious law courts, sought gradual social reform and legal reform "to make sharia relevant to modern problems."

Abduh argued that the early generations of Muslims (the salaf al-salihin, hence the name Salafiyya, which was self-ascribed to Abduh and his disciples) had produced a vibrant civilization because they had creatively interpreted the Qur'an and hadith to answer the needs of their times.^[24]

Many Salafis themselves disavow these figures. One prominent Salafi website, for example, describing itself as promoting "the creed and manhaj of the salaf us-saalih – pure and clear,"^[25] includes claims that al-Afghani and Muhammad ‘Abduh were "known freemasons and ... [show] great misguidance in their ideologies," and alleges they were interested in an "anti-colonial political movement" rather than "orthodox Islam" or "the way of the Salaf," but their call was deceptively surrounded with slogans of `returning back to the way of the forefathers.`^[26]

Beliefs and practices

Just who, or what groups and movements, qualify as salafi is disputed. Some define the term broadly, including the Muslim Brotherhood (who include the term salafi in the man nahnu (about us) section of their website),^[27] and the Deobandi^[28] Others exclude the Muslim Brotherhood^[29] and the Deobandi^[30] since they believe these groups commit religious innovations (bid‘ah), or worse.

Staunch monotheism

Particular emphasis is given to monotheism – (tawhid); many Muslim practices which have now become common are condemned as polytheism (shirk). Salafis believe, based on scriptural evidence, that widespread Muslim practices such as venerating the graves of Islamic prophets and saints are shirk. Salafis in general are opposed to both Sufi and Shia doctrines, which Salafis regard as having many aspects of shirk, bid‘ah and impermissible intercession of religious figures.The Salafieen state "If you want to know the Salafi creed we first and foremost look at the statements of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him), the Sahaba, the Scholars of the Tabieen like Hasan-al Basri, Awzaaee and the scholars of the Salaf.^[31]

Prohibition of rhetoric and speculative theology

Salafis reject Islamic speculative theology also known as "kalam", which is the usage of discourse and debate in the development of the Islamic creed. They consider this process as a foreign import from Greek philosophy (such as Plato and Aristotle) and alien to the original practice of Islam. They note that the Imam, Al-Dhahabi (d. 748H) said: "It is authentically related from ad-Daaraqutnee that he said: There is nothing more despised by me than kalam (innovating speech and rhetoric). I say: He never entered into kalam, nor argumentation. Rather, was a Salafee (a follower of the Salaf).^[11]

Abstaining from "innovative" beliefs and practices

Salafis maintain that bid‘ah or innovation in the Islamic creed or actions of worship are totally without sanction, and, based on scriptural evidence, that they are unacceptable to Allah. They believe that Muslims in one part of the world who engage in bid‘ahs, such as circumambulating around shrines of saints,^[32] celebrating Muhammad's birthday,^[33] or commemorating the day of the death of a saint ("urs"), may not receive their newly invented practice with much welcome in other areas of the Islamic world where the practice is totally foreign.

Salafis further assert that actions stemming from a practice rooted in bid‘ah will not result in any reward in spite of a worshipper's good intentions and, are dangerous to the Islamic creed since they replace or corrupt the religious practices ("Sunnah") of Muhammad. Salafis assert that if such practices increase a devotee's faith, Muhammad would have known about it and assuredly directed Muslims to do such acts since he was the best worshipper amongst mankind and most dutiful.^[34] In showing textual support for the impermissibility of bid‘ah or innovation in the Islamic creed, Salafis frequently cite a Sunni tradition attributed to Muhammad which states: "Every innovation is misguidance and going astray."^[35]

They also maintain that Muhammad also warned against the people of innovation, from befriending, supporting, or taking from them, as Muhammad is believed to have said: "Whoever innovates or accommodates an innovator then upon him is the curse of Allah, His Angels, and the whole of mankind."^[11]

Salafis often quote many companions of Muhammad, including a Sunni tradition in which `Abd Allah ibn `Abbas states: "Indeed the most detestable of things to Allah are the innovations,"^[11] and, a tradition in which `Abd Allah ibn `Umar states: "Every innovation is misguidance, even if the people see it as something good."^[11]

They note that earlier generations of Muslims like Malik ibn Anas conveyed similar sentiments: "Whosoever introduces into Islam an innovation, and holds it to be something good, has indeed alleged that Muhammad has betrayed his message." Imam Malik then stressed: "Read the saying of Allah – the Most Blessed, the Most High: "This day I have perfected your Religion for you, completed My favour upon you and I have chosen for you Islam as your Religion." [Al-Maa‘idah 5:3].

Malik then concluded: "So that which was not part of the Religion at that time, cannot be part of the Religion today...And the last part of this Ummah cannot be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part." Similarly, they state that Abū Ḥanīfa emphasized: "Adhere to the athar (narration) and the tareeqah (way) of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) and beware of newly invented matters (in Religion) for all of it is innovation."^[11]

Likewise, Shaikh Saalih Aal ash-Shaikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia, stated: "Muslims are of two groups: Salafis and Khalafis. As for the Salafis, then they are the followers of Salafus Saalih (first three generations of Muslims). And as for the Khalafis, then they are the followers of the understanding of the Khalaf and they are also called Innovators – since everyone who is not pleased and satisfied with the path of the Salafus Saalih, in knowledge and action, understanding and fiqh, then he is a khalafi, an innovator."^[36]

Practices

Whichever definition is used, Salafis idealize an uncorrupted, pure Islamic religious community. They believe that Islam's decline after the early generations is the result of religious innovations (bid‘ah) and that an Islamic revival will result through the emulation of the three early generations and the purging of foreign influences from the religion.

Salafis, similar to adherents of most denominations of Islam, place great emphasis on ritual not only in prayer but in every activity in daily life—many are careful to always use three fingers when eating, drink water in three pauses with the right hand while sitting,^[37] make sure their galabea or other garment worn by them does not extend below the ankle—so as to follow the example of Muhammad and the companions and make religion part of every activity in life.

On following a Madh'hab

They believe that following only the Qur'an and the Hadith and the Ijma (consensus) of the Ulama, are sufficient guidance for the believing Muslim. Salafis also reference many of their teachings to the 14th century Syrian scholars Ibn Taymiyyah, and his students Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya, Ibn Kathir. These individuals were Hanbali in origin, although many say Ibn Kathir was a Shafi'ee.

As Salafism is a methodology, Salafis can come from the Maliki, the Shafi`i, the Hanbali, or the Hanafi schools of law.<sup>[7]</sup> Salafis accept teaching of all four school of law only if their ruling is supported by Qur'an and Sunnah, they are not divided on the question of adherence to the four recognized schools of legal interpretation (madh'habs). Salafis base their jurisprudence directly on the Qur'an and Sunnah and the first three generations of Muslims. Salafis rely on the jurisprudence of one of the four famous madh'habs. only if supported by Qur'an and Sunnah. For example, Ibn Taymiyyah followed the Hanbali madhhab. Some of his students (such as Ibn Kathir and al-Dhahabi) followed the Shafi`i madhhab. Other students (such as Ibn Abi al-Izz) follow the Hanafi madhhab.

Contemporary Salafism

Modern use

In modern times the word has come to have two sometimes dissimilar definitions. The first, used by academics and historians, refers to denote "a school of thought which surfaced in the second half of the nineteenth century as a reaction to the spread of European ideas," and "sought to expose the roots of modernity within Muslim civilization."^[38] The second "quite different" use of the word favored by self-described contemporary salafis, defines a salafis as a Muslim who follows "literal, traditional ... injunctions of the sacred texts" rather than the "somewhat freewheeling interpretation" of earlier "salafis." These salafis look to Ibn Taymiyyah, not the 19th century figures of Muhammad Abduh, Jamal al-Din, Rashid Rida.^[38]

Current disagreements and division

All Salafi Scholars spoke against present so called jihad and they hold their opinion as ""No individual has the right to take the law into his own hands on any account. Even the closest of Muhammad's companions never killed a single of his opponents even when invectives were hurled at him day and night in the first thirteen years of his Da'wah at Makkah. Nor did they kill anyone in retaliation when he was pelted with stones at Ta'if"".

But in recent years they have been falsely associated with "jihadi" of Al-Qaeda, and related groups calling for the killing of civilians, and opposed by many Muslim groups and governments, including the Saudi government. Debate continues today over the appropriate method of reform, ranging from violent "Qutubi jihadism" to lesser politicized evangelism.

Despite some similarities, the different contemporary self-proclaimed Qutubi groups often strongly disapprove of each other and deny the others Islamic character.^[39][39][40]

Spread and effect

From intelligent academics and professionals to rootless immigrants in Europe, Salafism is attractive because of its claim to authenticity and textual associations. For those living in the metropolises of the Middle East, it offers an emotionally and theologically rich alternative to the slogans of Arab nationalism and a puritan alternative to the mystical Sufi tradition.

Salafism often appeals to younger Muslims as a way to differentiate themselves from the beliefs of parents and grandparents because it is seen as "pure", stripped of "the local, superstitious, and customary Muslim practices of their families' countries of origin". It often confers a sense of moral superiority. Salafism can be said to have a potent appeal because it underscores Islam's universality.^[41]

Salafism insists on the literal truth of Muslim scripture and what might be called a strict constructionist brand of sharia or religious law.^[41] Salafism may have more appeal than secularism by appropriating secularisms' traditional role of defending the socially and politically weak against the powerful.^[42]

The spread of Salafism has prompted political leaders in the Middle East to accommodate a greater role for religion in public policy.^[43]

Association with Wahhabism

As the second definition has predominated, the terms "Wahhabism" – which also pays great respect to Ibn Taymiyyah – and "Salafism" are now often used interchangeably. Wahhabism has been called a "belittling" term for Salafi,^[39] while another source defines it as "a particular orientation within Salafism,"^[7] an orientation some consider ultra-conservative,^[44][45] and yet another describes it as a formerly separate current of Islamic thought that appropriated "language and symbolism of Salafism" until the two became "practically indistinguishable" in the 1970s.^[46]

Scholar Trevor Stanley states that while the origins of the terms Wahhabism and Salafism "were quite distinct" – "Wahhabism was a pared-down Islam that rejected modern influences, while Salafism sought to reconcile Islam with modernism" – they both shared a rejection of "traditional teachings on Islam in favor of direct, 'fundamentalist' reinterpretation."

Stéphane Lacroix, a postdoctoral fellow and lecturer at Sciences Po in Paris, also affirmed a distinction between the two: "As opposed to Wahhabism, Salafism refers here to all the hybridations that have taken place since the 1960s between the teachings of Muhammad bin ‘Abd al-Wahhab and other Islamic schools of thought. Al-Albani’s discourse can therefore be a form of Salafism, while being critical of Wahhabism."^[47]

But despite their beginnings "as two distinct movements", the migration of Muslim Brotherhood members from Egypt to Saudi Arabia and Saudi King Faisal's "embrace of Salafi pan-Islamism resulted in cross-pollination between Muhammad ibn Abd-al-Wahhab's teachings on tawhid, shirk and bid‘ah and Salafi interpretations of ahadith (the sayings of Muhammad).^[48]

Comparison with Islamism

Salafism differs from the earlier contemporary Islamic revival movements of the 1970s and 1980s commonly referred to as Islamism, in that (at least many) Salafis reject not only Western ideologies such as Socialism and Capitalism, but also common Western concepts like economics, constitutions, political parties and revolution.

Salafi Muslims often promote not engaging in Western activities like politics, "even by giving them an Islamic slant."^[49] Instead, it is thought that Muslims should stick to traditional activities, particularly Dawah. Salafis promote Sharia (Islamic law) rather than an Islamic political program or state.

Criticism

Salafism, or at least the so called "puritanical" forms of it, has been recently criticized by Professor Khaled Abou El Fadl of UCLA School of Law. El Fadl claims that the Salafi methodology "drifted into stifling apologetics" by mid-20th century, a reaction against "anxiety" to "render Islam compatible with modernity," by its leaders earlier in the century.^[50]

Some Salafi writers would allegedly claim, for example, that "any meritorious or worthwhile modern institutions were first invented and realized by Muslims." The result was that "an artificial sense of confidence and an intellectual lethargy" developed, according to Abou El Fadl, "that took neither the Islamic tradition nor" the challenges of the modern world "very seriously."^[51][52]

Egyptian scholar Tawfik Hamid says that Salafist Muslim fundamentalists believe that Saudi Arabia's petroleum-based wealth is a divine gift, and that Saudi influence is sanctioned by Allah. Thus this extreme brand of Sunni Islam that spread from the Saudi Arabia to the rest of the Islamic world is regarded not merely as one interpretation of the religion but the only genuine interpretation. The expansion of violent and regressive Islam, he continues, began in the late 1970s, and can be traced precisely to the growing financial clout of Saudi Arabia. He says "is puritanical, extreme and does, yes, mean that women can be beaten, apostates killed and Jews called pigs and monkeys."^[53]

Salafism is intensely opposed by Hui chinese muslims in China, by the Hanafi Sunni Gedimu and Sufi Khafiya and Jahriyya. So much so that even the Yihewani (Ikhwan) chinese sect, which is fundamentalist and was founded by Ma Wanfu who was originally inspired by the Wahhabis, reacted with hostility to Ma Debao and Ma Zhengqing, who attempted to introduce Wahhabism/Salafism as the main form of Islam. They were branded as traitors, and Wahhabi teachings were deemed as heresy by the Yihewani leaders. Ma Debao established a Salafi/Wahhbi order, called the Sailaifengye(Salafi) menhuan in Lanzhou and Linxia, and it is a completely separate sect than other muslim sects in China.^[54]

"Salafi Burnout"

The popularity of Salafism among young men has resulted in a phenomenon called "Salafi Burnout," as noted by British Sufi scholar Abdal Hakim Murad. Young men undergoing "Salafi burnout" begin with an initial period of militant or extremist enthusiasm for Islam, followed by a period of gradual decrease in interest, ending with the former activists becoming only minimally observant of Islamic customs and rituals.^[55]

Salafi scholars

Older authorities accepted by modern Salafis as Salafi

Arabian Peninsula

Egypt

Mesopotamia & Greater Khorasan

Greater Syria

Al-Andalus

Contemporary Salafi scholars

Afghanistan

• Muhammad Muhsin Khan

Albania

• Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani

Egypt

List of scholars^[57]

Pakistan

India

Kuwait

Saudi Arabia

List of scholars^[57]

Somalia

• Muhammad Al-Sumaalee^[60]

Syria

• Muhammad bin Jamil Zeno

Yemen

List of scholars^[57]

References

External links

• CalgaryIslam.com – Aqeedah & manhaj of the Salaf
• The creed and manhaj of the Salaf us-saalih – pure and clear
• The manhaj of the Salaf us-saalih
• Salafi Manhaj
• English translations of traditions from the Salaf