Dawat-us-Salafiyyah

(Call of those who preceded us)

According to Quran and Sunnah

WWW.MUTTAQUN.COM

Dawah - literally means "call", and in this sense it refers to calling to the Truth through
preaching and propagation.

• Say (O Muslims), "We believe in Allâh and that which has been sent down to us
and that which has been sent down to Ibrâhim (Abraham), Ismâ'il (Ishmael),
Ishâque (Isaac), Ya'qûb (Jacob), and to Al-Asbât [the twelve sons of Ya'qûb
(Jacob)], and that which has been given to Mûsa (Moses) and 'Iesa (Jesus), and
that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no
distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islâm)." [The
Noble Qur'an Al-Baqarah 2:136]
• Invite (mankind, O Muhammad SAW ) to the Way of your Lord
(i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'ân) and fair
preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows
best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who
are guided. [The Noble Qur'an An-Nahl 16:125]
• Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islâm),
enjoining Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do)
and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islâm has
forbidden). And it is they who are the successful. [The Noble Qur'an Al-Imran 3:104]
• Say (O Muhammad SAW): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the
Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever
follows me (also must invite others to Allâh i.e to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic
Monotheism) with sure knowledge. And Glorified and Exalted be Allâh (above all
that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikûn
(polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh; those who
worship others along with Allâh or set up rivals or partners to Allâh)." [The Noble
Qur'an Yusuf 12:108]

Salaf - literally means "those (from history) who precede, have gone before".
As-Salaf as-Saalih - The people of the past, namely the first three generations of
pious muslims during and after the revelation of the Qur'an, i.e.the Sahabah
(companions) of the Prophet, saaws , the Taabi'een (followers) and the Taabi
Taabi'een (followers of the followers).

Islam teaches that As-Salaf as-Saalih are superior in their understanding of the Revelation
of Al-Qu'ran. Generally speaking, the people present during any event (such as the
revelation of the Quran) will understand it better than those who read about it later.

• The Prophet, saaws, said: "I am leaving you two things and you will never go
astray as long as you cling to them -- they are the Book of Allah and my Sunnah."
[Reported by Al- Haakim - Sahih].
• "The best of people is my generation, then those who come after them, then those
who come after them (i.e. the first three generations of Muslims)." [Reported by
Bukhari and Muslim- Mutawaatir. Muslim, Narrated 'Aisha - Shaykh Al Albaanee declares it
Hasan in Saheeh Al Jaami' no.3288].
• "The best of people are my generation, then the second, then the third, then there
will come a people, having no good in them." [[related by Ibn Mas'ood] [Tabaraanee in
Al-Kabeer] Shaykh Al Albaanee declares it to be Hasan. See Silsilatul Ahaadeeth ad-Da'eefah
no.3569, and Saheeh Al Jaami' no. 3293.]
• "My Ummah will not unite upon error." [Reported by at-Tirmidhee and Haakim - Sahih]
• The best of people are my generation, then those who follow after them, then
those who follow after them, then there will come after them a people who will be
fat, and they will love obesity, bearing witness before being asked to."[related by the
Umars, sons of Husayn(r)] [Tirmidthee, authenticated by Imaam Al Haakim] Shaykh Al Albaanee
declares it to be Saheeh. See Silsilatul Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah no. 699, and Saheeh Al Jaami' no.
3294.

Salafi - means "of the salaf". The "i" (sounds like "ee") on the end of the word means
"of the", "of" and/or "are". Using correct arabic grammar, the word "salafi" can only be
used in association with words that are of that which is truly from the far past. In order
to be a salaf, you had to exist generations prior to the current one. Referring to oneself as
a salafi* is permissible in Islam so long as the intention is for identification with the
salafi minhaj and this identification does not replace your identification as being
MUSLIM, as this is what Allah swt has commanded us in The Qur'an to call ourselves.
While it is important, as many scholars have said, to distinguish ourselves from the
innovators, we first do this in our actions (i.e. do not sit with the people of innovation,
engage the sunnah in our daily lives, etc.), and to do so in speech, we can best do so by
clearly stating that we are followers of the pious predecessors ("Ana a-taaba as-salaf as-
saalih").

Those Muslims whose intentions are to follow the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet
saaws and the salaf, know better than to divide themselves into a sect (a dissenting or
schismatic religious body; especially one regarded as extreme or heretical) that parts from
following clear proof in Quran and Sunnah.
 • "And this Ummah will divide into seventy-three sects all of which except one will
go to Hell and they (i.e. the Saved Sect) are those who are upon what I and My
Companions are upon (i.e. those who follow My Way and the Way of my
Companions.)" [Reported by at-Tirmidhee - Hasan]
• "Verily those before you from among the People of the Book split into seventy-
two sects and verily this religion . . . ", and in another narration, " . . . this Ummah
will split into seventy-three sects: seventy-two will be in the Fire and one in
Paradise and that is the Jamaa'ah." [Reported by Abu Daawood - Sahih]
• When questioned by his Companions about those who will be saved from the
Fire, the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) replied: "They are those who
are upon what I and my companions are upon." [Reported by at-Tirmidhee from Amr ibn
al-Aas - classified as Hasan.]

A muslim may announce his intentions to adhere to the Dawat-us-Salafiyyah, which is

identical to saying the dawah of Islam with mere emphasis on rejecting innovation in
implementing and understanding the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad
saaws and accepting the guidance of the Salaf-as-Saalih (as instructed by Muhammad
saaws to do so). Because not one ounce of arrogance will make it into the gates of
Paradise, no muslim would want to be so bold as to declare himself as a member of
Firqatun-Naajiyyah (the saved group of Muslims), for only Allah swt knows who that
truly is, but instead would speak of his intentions to be of the saved group, by his
intentions to adhere to the dawat-us-salafiyyah.

• Sheikh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: "It is self-delusion to say 'I am saved'
and not pessimistic, for example being too secure saying 'I have the attributes
of the salaf, I am saved', We still have to humble ourselves and not to say
that we have the attributes of the Salaf. So I say to these people, not
everybody who opposes me a thing from this path will become one of those
who will perish, for verily the disputer may be a mujtahid who was wrong,
and Allaah will forgive him his mistakes. Or maybe the proof did not reach
him, enough to satisfy his needs (i.e. to understand it). Or maybe he has
enough good deeds in which Allaah will wipe away his bad deeds."
• "O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allâh and His
Messenger (SAW), and fear Allâh. Verily! Allâh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."
[Surah al-Hujuraat 49:1].
• "And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be
not divided among yourselves, and remember Allâh's Favour on you, for you
were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His
Grace, you became brethren (in Islâmic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit
of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allâh makes His Ayât (proofs, evidences,
verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided."
[Surah Al-Imrân 3:103].

Muslim - Whereas a person of a sect may improperly refer to himself as a Shia, Sufi,
etc., those who adhere to dawat-us-salafiyyah describe themself as a "Muslim" whose
minhaj (methodology/system) is Qur'an and Sunnah and madhdhab (way) is that of the
salaf. There is ample proof to say it is more than sufficient to call oneself simply a
Muslim.

• And strive hard in Allâh's Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all
your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His
Message of Islâmic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion,
Islâm), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of
your father Ibrahim (Abraham) (Islâmic Monotheism). It is He (Allâh) Who has
named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur'ân), that the Messenger
(Muhammad SAW) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over
mankind! So perform AsSalât (Iqamat-as-Salât), give Zakât and hold fast to Allâh
[i.e. have confidence in Allâh, and depend upon Him in all your affairs] He is
your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and
what an Excellent Helper! [Surah Al-Imrân 3:78]
• Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah reported that one of the Salaf (Pious
Predecessors) said, "I do not mind which out of the two blessings was greater. that
Allaah guided me to Islaam, or that he kept me away from these innovated sects.
By Allaah , the Most High, in the Qur'aan He called us the Muslims, the
Believers and the Worshippers of Allaah, so we will not leave the manes
which Allaah has names us with in favour of names innovated by the people
which they call themselves by and also their forefathers for which Allaah has
send down no proof". (In al-Wasiyyatul-Kubraa.Taken from the Book Forty
Hadeeth On: The Call to Islam and the Caller By Shaikh 'Alee Hasan 'Alee 'Abdul
Hameed)
• Abu-I Aas, r.a., a companion of the Prophet (saaws) said: "Since I have now
handed over to you what is rightfully yours, I now declare that there is no god but
Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. By God, the only thing that
prevented me from declaring my acceptance of Islam while I was with
Muhammad in Madinah was my fear that you would think that I did so only to
appropriate your wealth. Now that I have discharged my trust in this matter, I
now declare that I am a Muslim."
• Ikrimah, r.a., a companion of the Prophet (saaws) said: ""I testify that there is no
god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger." The
Prophet (saaws) then instructed him to say, "I call on God and those present here
to witness that I am a Muslim who is a Mujahid and a Muhajir".
• The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded to kill him: he was a spy
of AbuSufyan and an ally of a man of the Ansar. He passed a circle of the Ansar
and said: I am a Muslim. A man from the Ansar said, Apostle of Allah, he is
saying that he is a Muslim. The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: There
are people among you in whose faith we trust. Furat ibn Hayyan is one of them.
[Abu Dawood #2646, Narrated Furat ibn Hayyan]
• Then when 'Iesa (Jesus) came to know of their disbelief, he said: "Who will be my
helpers in Allâh's Cause?" Al-Hawâriûn (the disciples) said: "We are the helpers
of Allâh; we believe in Allâh, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we
submit to Allâh)." [Surah Al-Imrân 3:52]
The belief that "times have changed" and that we should now do differently than what
Allah swt commanded us, is an innovated madthab (way). There were sects during the
time of the Prophet (saaws) and immediately following, just as there are today. The
companions of 'Iesa (Jesus) and Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them
both, all referred to themselves simply as Muslims.

However, as Muslims, we must not dispute over simple titles, as the correct way of living
is of upmost importance, not the labels we claim upon ourselves. Sheikh Muhammed
Salih Al-Munajjid has said, "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." What is important is that we implement
the way of the salaf as-saalih in our daily lives, insomuch as it is consistent with Quran
and Sunnah.

Names - you can name yourself, your masjid, your computer files, your associations,
etc. - anything halal. For instance if a baby is named "Yasmin" meaning jasmine, the
mother who chose the name is not stating that she IS a jasmine stone or even that she has
the attributes of a jasmine; such a name is a permissible name because the item itself, the
jasmine, is not haram. So if a name includes the word "salaf" anywhere in it, this is halal.
However for a person of today to identify oneself AS a salaf is incorrect.

One can refer to himself as "muttaqi" (male) or "muttaqiyyah" (female) meaning of the
muttaqun, but should not make a sunnah of calling himself a "muslim muttaqi". A person
alive today can be muttaqi but cannot be salafi because s/he is not of the past.

Those who adhere to the sunnah of the Prophet, saaws, are sadly known as "strange",
"odd", etc., to those who have abandoned such adherence. They (muslims on a misguided
path) even get to the point that they find it odd that someone would just call themselves a
MUSLIM and attach no special group name to the word muslim. Surely the people who
deviate are the people who must find a new label for their group. The label "muslim" is
the purest word and all we need, insha'Allah, i.e. it is the only identifying label that we
should have as a tradition or sunnah for calling ourselves when refering to our faith.

• The Prophet, saaws, has mentioned in his saying: "Islam began as a stranger and
shall return as a stranger as it began. So give glad tidings to the strangers."
[Reported by Muslim - Sahih].
• And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in
His Oneness)," and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men)
to Allâh's (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of
the Muslims." [The Noble Qur'an 41:33]

Madhdhab Salafi- means the way (madhdhab) of the salaf (first three generations of
pious muslims after the revelation of the Qur'an).
 • Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H rahimahullaah) says: "There is no blame on the one who
manifests/proclaims the way (madhdhab) of the Salaf, who attaches himself to it
and refers to it. Rather, it is obligatory to accept that from him by unanimous
agreement (Ittifaaq), because the way (madhdhab) of the Salaf is nothing but the
Truth (Haqq)." [From Majmoo al-Fataawaa, 4:149.]
• Abu Haneefah (d. 150H rahimahullaah) said: "Adhere to the athar (narration) and
the tareeqah (way/following) of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) and beware of
newly invented matters for all of it is innovation" [Reported by As-Suyootee in Sawn al
Mantaq wal-Kalaam p.32]
• Imaam adh-Dhahabee (d.748H rahimahullaah) - said: "It is authentically related
from ad-Daaraqutnee that he said: There is nothing more despised by me than
'irnul-kalaam (innovated speech and rhetorics). I say: No person should ever enter
into 'ilmul-kalaam, nor argumentation. Rather, he should be a follower of the
Salaf." [Siyar 16/457]

Following the madhdhab of the salaf is unlike following one of the madhdhabs (schools
of thought) of today. Today when a person says they follow a madhdhab, they mean they
follow one of the four Imams (Maliki, Hanafi, etc..), often to the point that even if the
Imam's chosen position on any topic is clearly in error, they will follow it anyway, just
for the sake of consistency in following the same Imam. In the true use of the word
"madhdhab", the way of the salaf is a madhdhab. In the modern sense of the word
"madhdhab", the way of the salaf is not a madhdhab, meaning it does not require or
encourage blind adherence to a single leader like the practice of muslims who follow any
one of the four major madhdhabs of today.

Minhaj Qur'an wa Sunnah- means methodology of Qur'an and Sunnah.

• Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan said, " The reasons for disunity are many. From
amongst the main causes are: Firstly, opposing the minhaj (methodology) of the
Salaf, the Companions of Allaah's Messenger and those who follow them. So the
Salaf had a minhaj that they adhered to; a manhaj in aqeedah (creed), a manhaj in
da'wah (calling to Allaah), a minhaj in enjoining good and forbidding evil, a
manhaj in how to judge between people. This minhaj, in all situations, was based
upon the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of our Messenger." [Wujoob ut-Tathabbut
fil-Akhbaaar p.18]

Bid'a- Innovation in ibaddah [worship], to be avoided!

• The Prophet, saaws, has said: "If anyone introduces into this affair of ours (i.e.
the religion of Islam) anything which does not belong to it, he will have it
rejected." [Reported by Muslim - Sahih].
• The Prophet, saaws, said: "Whoever does an action which we (Allah and His
Messenger) have not commanded it will be rejected." [Reported by Muslim - Sahih]
Shirk- To associate a partner with Allah swt. The greatest sin.

Tawheed- The Oneness of Allah, swt.

• Tawheed-ar-Ruboobiyya (Oneness of the Lordship of Allah).

o To believe that there is only one Lord for all the universe, its Creator,
Organizer, Planner, Sustainer, Maintainer, etc., and that is Allah swt.
• Tawheed-al-Uloohiyya (Oneness of the worship of Allah).
o To believe that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah. Worship
comes in the form of praying, invoking, asking for help from the unseen or
anything believed to be a deity (i.e. idols), swearing, slaughtering
sacrifices, etc.
 "And the mosques are for Allâh (Alone), so invoke not anyone
along with Allâh." [Surah Al-Jinn 72:18].
 "Say (O Muhammad SAW): "I am only a man like you. It has been
inspired to me that your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God i.e. Allâh). So
whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work
righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his
Lord." [Surah Al-Kahf 18:110]
• Tawheed-al-Asma was-Sifat (Oneness of the Names/Attributes of Allah)
o To believe that all the best of names/attributes (i.e. "The Most Merciful",
etc.) belong to Allah as described in the Qur'an and by Prophet
Muhammad saaws, and must not be twisted or expanded upon nor given
similtude to human characteristics.
 "Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)): 'He is Allâh, (the) One.
Allâh-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures
need, He neither eats nor drinks). He begets not, nor was He
begotten; And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.' "
[Surah Al-Ikhlas 112].
 "...There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the
All-Seer." [Surah Ash-Shura 42:11]

Dawat-us-Salafiyyah maintains that these three principles of Tawheed are inseparable

from one another because they are the pillars of the meaning of the testimony: "Laa
ilaaha il Allah" (There is nothing which has the right to be worshipped except Allah).
Dawat-us-salafiyyah encourages the Muslim to apply Tawheed to his or her daily way of
thinking and acting.

Dawat-us-Salafiyyah (also "Dawah Salafi", or "salafi dawah" although this is an

english transposition of the two words- [say DOW-uh(t) uh sal-uh-FEE-uh]) Literally
means call of the past, those who preceded us. This is the spreading of Islam in
accordance with Qur'an and Sunnah, recognizing the understanding of the pious Salaf in
this matter as being superior (more accurate) than modern ideas and inventions, with an
intention to avoid innovation in ibaddah (an all encompassing word for worship, i.e. halal
[permissible] acts of submission to Allah swt).

• Dawat-us-Salafiyyah teaches that the Qur'an is the indisputable Truth of Allah,

s.w.t.
o Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur'an) and surely,
We will guard it (from corruption). [The Noble Qur'an Al-Hijr 15:9]
• Dawat-us-Salafiyyah encourages the muslim to run from Bid'a, actively try to
remove shirk, think and act on Tawheed, and compare none to Allah, swt.
o You [true believers in Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet
Muhammad SAW and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of
peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic
Monotheism and all that Islâm has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar
(polytheism, disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden), and you believe in
Allâh. ...[The Noble Qur'an Al-Imran 3:110]
• Dawat-us-Salafiyyah teaches the Muslim to worship Allah t'ala out of a
combination of fear and hope.
o "And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and
invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allâh's Mercy is (ever) near unto
the gooddoers." [Surah A'râf 7:56]
o "Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and
they spend (charity in Allâh's Cause) out of what We have bestowed on
them." [Surah as-Sajdah 32:16]
• Dawat-us-Salafiyyah does not neglect the Sunnah of the Prophet, saaws. The
muslim who clings to and engages in acts according to the Sunnah, sadly,
becomes a 'stranger' to those who have gone astray.
o The Prophet, saaws, has mentioned in his saying: "Islam began as a
stranger and shall return as a stranger as it began. So give glad tidings to
the strangers." [Reported by Muslim - Sahih].
o And in another narration: "So give glad tidings to the few, those who
purify, correct what the people have corrupted of my Sunnah." [Al-Silsilah
of Shaikh al-Albaani - Sahih].
• One cannot follow Dawat-us-Salafiyyah if s/he is Shi'ah or Sufi or if s/he
prescribes to a madhdhab based on blind adherence to a single Imam of any
generation. Why? The Salaf have informed us not to follow their own ruling on a
matter if stronger proof existed elsewhere that they were in error, i.e.
contradicting Qur'an or Sunnah, whereas a madhdhab that follows a single Imam
(i.e. Imam Hanbal, Imam Malik, etc.) encourages blind adherance to a single
Imam and all of his rulings alone. Of course it is permissible to seek guidance
from the writings, etc., of Imams, but it is required of the muslim to reject
whatever s/he was clinging on to (i.e. beliefs and actions) once the Truth is made
plain.
• Dawat-us-Salafiyyah gives precedence to the Word of Allah far above all others
o "O you who believe! Do not put yourselves forward in the presence of
Allah and His Prophet and fear Allah. Verily Allah is All-Hearing and All-
Knowing." [Surah al-Hujuraat 49:1].
 • Dawat-us-Salafiyyah teaches us to love His Prophet, saaws. (but not to worship
him!)
o The Prophet, saaws, said: "None of you believes until I become more
beloved to him than his father, child and all mankind." [Reported by Muslim -
Sahih].
• A muslim who adheres to the Dawat-us-Salafiyyah cannot be any of the
following, which are basically groups of people adhering to deviation as a
principle foundation in belief.
o The sects of the Khawaarij who consider the Muslims to be Kaafirs (nonbelievers) due to
their commiting major sins, and make lawful the taking of their wealth and blood.
o The sects of the Shi'ah (Shi'ites) who hate and curse the Prophet's Companions and claim
them to be apostates, claim that the Qur'an has been altered, reject the authentic Sunnah
and worship the Prophet's Family, peace be upon them.
o The Qadariyyah who deny Qadar (the Divine Decree).
o The Murjiah who claim Imaan (Faith) to be only in words and not in deed.
o The Asharriyah who deny Allah's Attributes.
o The Sufis who worship graves, saints and claim Divine incarnation.
o The Muqallidoon who necessitate that every Muslim adhere to the Madhhab (School of
Thought) of a particular Imam or Shaikh, even when that madhdhab differs with the clear
verses of the Qur'an and authentic hadiths of the Prophet, peace be upon him.
• Modern scholars may only come to teach remind us of the instructions of the
original Salaf. Among the scholars who follow(ed) the Salaf-us-Salih in belief and
deed, insha'Allah, are:
o Imam Abu Hanifah (150 AH), Al-Awzai (157 AH), Ath-Thawri (161 AH), Al Laith ibn
Saad (175 AH), Imam Malik (179 AH), Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak (181 AH), Sufyan ibn
Uyainah (198 AH), Imam Ash-Shafi'i (204 AH), Ishaq (238 AH), Imam Ahmed bin
Hanbal (241 AH), Al-Bukhari (256 AH), Muslim (261 AH), Abu Dawood (275 AH) and
others.
o Ibn Taymiyyah (728 AH) and his students, Adh-Dhahabi , Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn Katheer
and others. [All listed lived between 728 and 774 AH]
o Muhammed bin 'Abd al-Wahhab [1206 AH] and many of his students
o Abdul Aziz bin Baz, Muhammed bin Saalih Utheimeen, Muhammed Naasir-ud-Deen al-
Albaani (1332 to 1419 AH) [of our time].

Definition of Salifiyyah
by Sheikh Ibn Al-Utaymeen
Yarhamahu Allah (May Allah have mercy on him)

From his book, "Liqaa-al-Baab al-Maftooh", Q # 1322

Muhammad Salih Ibn al-Uthaymeen said: "Salafiyyah is following the way of the
Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) and his Sahabah for they are our Salaf
(predecessors) who preceded us, so following them is Salafiyyah. As for taking
Salafiyyah as a special Manhaj such that everyone who differs with it is considered astray
even if he was on the truth; then this is beyond doubt opposite to Salafiyyah.

All the Salaf called to Islam and to unite upon the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger
(sallallahu alaihi 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 because they considered him, who differed in Aqeedah as astray.

But, in our time, some who took the path of Salafiyyah 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 (sallallahu alaihi 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, Salafiyyah 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 Salafiyyah.

But the Salafiyyah 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 (sallallahu alaihi 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."Then this is the true Salafiyyah."

Warning to the followers of the salafi group

by Sheikh Ibn Al-Utaymeen
Yarhamahu Allah (May Allah have mercy on him)

From his [the Prophet]( ) statement,

"Whoever lives amongst you will see much differing, so adhere to my Sunnah",
It can be learnt that if parties (ahzaab) within the ummah emerge in increasing numbers
then one should not affiliate himself to a party (hizb). In the past, many groups have
appeared; Khawaarij, Mu'tazilah, Jahmiyyah, Shee'ah, even Raafidah. Then there
appeared, later on Ikhwanis, Salafis, Tablighis, and all those like them. Put all of them to
one side and take [the path] ahead. Which is what the Prophet guided to.
"Adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs." No doubt, it is
obligatory for all Muslims to adopt the way of the salaf as their madhhab, not affiliation
to a specific party (hizb) named, "The Salafis". It is obligatory for the Islamic Ummah to
adopt the way of the salaf as-salih as their madhhab, not bigotry to those called "the
salafis". Pay attention to the difference: There is the way of the salaf, and there is a party
(hizb) called "the salafis".

What is the objective? Following the Salaf. Why? The salafi brothers are the closest sect
to that which is right, no doubt, but their problem is the same as others, that some of these
sects declare others as being misguided, they declare them to be innovators and as being
sinners. We don't censure this, if they deserve it, but we censure handling this bid'ah in
this way. It is obligatory for the leaders of these sects to get together and say, “Between
us is the book of Allah, and the Sunnah of His messenger, so lets us judge by them and
not according to desires, opinions and not according to personalities. Everyone makes
mistakes and achieves correctness no matter what he has reached with regards to
knowledge and worship. Infallibility is [only] in the religion of Islam."

In this hadeeth the Prophet guided to the way in which a person secures
himself. He doesn't affiliate him to any sect, only the way of the salaf as-salih, to the
Sunnah of our Prophet and the rightly guided caliphs.

The Noble Qur'an An-Nisâ' 4:115

And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) after
the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the
believers' way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in
Hell - what an evil destination.

Shaikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah commented on this verse: "All who contradict

and oppose the Messenger 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 after the
right Path has been shown to them. If one thinks that he is following the Path of
the Faithful Believers and is mistaken, he is in the same position as one who
thinks he is following the Messenger and is mistaken."
Action Items for the uttaqun:
• If a person asks you, "Who is your sheikh?" it is best to answer,
"Prophet Muhammed, salli allahu aleihi wa salam (peace and
blessings be upon him)."
• If someone asks you, "What are you?" you should answer,
"Muslim (believer in tawheed), insha'Allah (only by Allah's Will / if Allah
Wills it)."
• If someone asks you, "What is your minhaj ("methodology", i.e.
methods, rules, procedures, etc.)?" you should answer, "Quran and
Sunnah."
• If someone asks you, "What is your madhdhab ("way", e.g. direction,
manner or mode)?" you may answer, "Salaf, insha'Allah"
• If a person were to ask, "What dawah (call) do you follow?" or
"What do you teach (call the people to)?" you could reply, "Dawat-
us-Salafiyyah, insha'Allah."
• Insha'Allah you can clearly identify yourself in the best of manners
and at the same time distinguished yourself from the people of
innovation with the following words or something to its effect.....
o I am a muslim. My methodology is Qur'an and Sunnah. Insha'Allah
I follow the way of the salaf muslims.
o Ana muslim. Minhaji Al-Quran wa Sunnah. Insha'Allah madhdhabi i-
tabaa al-muslimeen al-salafeen.
o Or:
o I am a follower of the righteous predecessors.
o Ana a-tabaa as-salaf as-saalih.
• The best way to clearly identify yourself from the innovators is by
action, i.e. your minhaj.