Question:
Assalaamualaykum warahmatullahi wabarakaatu
Mufti Saab can u please explain to me the term Salafi (as I am a Sunni muslim)
Jazakhumullahu khair
Answer:
Bismihi Ta’ala
Respected Sister
Wa alaikumus salaam warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh
The practice of the mainstream of this Ummah for approximately twelve centuries has been to follow the Qur’aan and hadeeth in the light of the explanation given by one of the four illustrious Imaams of fiqh, viz. Imaam Abu Haneefah, Imaam Maalik, Imaam Shaafi’ee and Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal (rahimahumullah).
However, in the recent past certain groups have emerged who claim to follow the Qur’aan and hadeeth directly. It is obvious that our knowledge, understanding, piety, etc. cannot match that of these great Imaams whom the entire Ummah has accepted for centuries. Hence, if we try to ignore the Imaams and follow the Qur’aan and hadeeth directly, the outcome would be that we would subject the Qur’aan and hadeeth to our own feeble reasoning and understanding, and disregard the conclusions of those who saw Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and were closest to him (ie. the Sahaabah radiyallahu anhum), and those who had seen them (ie. the Tabi’een). This would then result in us searching for our own convenience in the sharee’ah, and instead of looking for what Allah Ta’ala desires from us, we would always try to see how the sharee’ah could suit us. Thus, we would be following our own desires and not the Qur’aan and hadeeth. This approach has been proven in this group without a shadow of doubt.
Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radiyallahu anhu), the great Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and a mountain of knowledge, had even prophesised this. He said: “In the latter part of this Ummah, there would be a group who would claim to be following the book of Allah Ta’ala, whereas in reality they would have thrown it behind their backs.” (Tareekhu Madinati Dimishq vol. 33, pg. 52)
This group appeared in different parts of the world with different names, e.g. Ahlul hadeeth, Ghair muqallideen, Wahhabis, etc. Not very long ago – to create a good impression of themselves – most of them adopted the name Salafi.
The term Salafi is actually an attribution to the Salaf, which refers to the great luminaries who lived in the first three glorious eras of Islam. Those who call themselves Salafi claim that they are on the way of the Salaf. However, this is far from reality. Below are a few serious discrepancies that they have, for you to decide whether they really are the followers of the Salaf.
1. Giving incorrect explanations to the details of certain attributes of Allah Ta’ala.
2. Not having the highest level of adoration and love for Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) that an Ummati is required to have, as can be seen in their views regarding tawassul and ziyaaratu qabrin Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
3. Not affording the required level of respect to the Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) and their practices, as can be understood from their opinion on the number of rakaats in taraweeh salaah.
4. Insulting and reviling the Salaf and the great luminaries of Islam.
5. Opposing the consensus of the entire Ummah, as in the three talaaq issue.
6. Subjecting the Qur’aan and hadeeth to their own rationale. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “The one who tenders his personal opinion regarding the book of Allah Ta’ala, should prepare his abode in the fire.” (Sunan Tirmizi #2951)
7. Restricting the truth to their opinions and regarding the rest of the Ummah to be misguided and even mushrik.
It is clear from the above, that their claims of following the Salaf are mere claims without any reality. In many issues, they entirely oppose the Salaf. In fact, many of them even go to the extent of insulting and reviling the Salaf.
NB: As mentioned before, there are different groups of this nature, resulting in slight differences amongst them in certain issues. However, by and large, they ascribe to these views. Hence, one should be wary of those who promote their Salafi ideologies although this may be under different pretexts.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Uswatul Muslimah Panel of Ulama