Salafi
A Salafi (Arabic سلفي lit. early muslim), from the Arabic world Salaf سلف (meaning predecessors or early generations), is a practictioner of Salafiyyah (Salafism). Modern usage from the Islamic phrase minhaj as-Salaf منهاج السلف'', or method of the early Muslims. The term is also used for the Wahhabi branch of Islam. See the note below. The word Salaf means predecessors (or ancestors) and refers to the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (the Sahaba), the early Muslims who followed them, and the scholars of the first three generations of Muslims. They are also called As Salafus Saalih or "the Righteous Predecessors". The Salafis view the first three generations of Muslims, who are the prophet Muhammad's companions, and the two generations after them (the Tabayeen and the next generation) as perfect examples of how Islam should be lived and practiced. These three generations are often referred to as the Pious generations. Islamic jurisprudence holds that, in order of precedence, the sources of Islamic law are : a) the Quran (the Muslim revealed scripture), b) the Hadith (prophetic traditions) and c) Ijma' (consensus). Modern Salafis hold that those should be interepreted as the above three generations would have interpreted them, and not according to innovative ways, thus holding what can be called a conservative or traditionalist view. They thus reject many later Islamic viewpoints as Bida (innovation/invention) and Shirk (idolatry). :'''NOTE:''' Technically speaking, the terms Salafi and Wahhabi are not the same. Wahhabists follow the Hanbali school while Salafists reject all four schools. :In modern discourse, however, especially post-911, the term Salafi has come to describe various sects and groups sharing their views. These include the Saudi-based Wahhabis and more rationalist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood. More often, it is the Saudi-based school of thought that are referred to as Salafis, as they seek to purify modern Islam, sideline classical and much of medieval Islamic jurisprudence, and promote the interpretations of Salafi Islamic thinkers such as Ibn Taymiya. These modern Salafis are sometimes called "neo-Salafis" (often disparagingly) or Salafists in order to distinguish Salafism from the early generations of Muslims (the original salaf).
Famous Salafis
- Ibn Taymiya
- Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee
- Ibn Baz
- Muhammad Ibn Saalih Ibn 'Uthaymeen
- Abdul-azeez Ibn Abdullah Ibn Baz