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Why The word Salafi? - abdulwalee - 03-13-2007
<b>Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee </b>
SOURCE: Al-Asaalah Magazine, Issue 9
PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com
<b>Question:</b> Why use the name Salafee? Is it a call towards a party or a group or a madh-hab (school of thought)? Or is it a new sect in Islaam?
<b>Answer:</b> Indeed, the word Salaf is well known in the Arabic language as well as in the religious terminology. But what concerns us here, is its discussion from the religious standpoint. Thus, it has been authentically reported on the Prophet, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, that during the sickness from which he died from, he said to Faatimah, radyAllaahu 'anhaa: "So fear Allaah and have patience. And I am the best Salaf (predecessor) for you." [saheeh Muslim: no. 2450]
Furthermore, the scholars have used this word "Salaf" many times, such that it would be too abundant to number and take into account. Sufficient for us, is one example, and it was that which they have used in their battle against innovations:
"And every good lies in following he who has preceded,
while every evil lies in the innovating of he who came after."
However, there are from those who claim to have knowledge, some people who reject this ascription, claiming that there is no basis for it! And so they say: "It is not permissible for a Muslim to say: 'I am a Salafee.'" So it is as if he is saying that it is not permissible for a Muslim to say: "I am following the Salaf As-Saalih (the Pious Predecessors) in what they were upon from beliefs, worship and methodology"! There is no doubt that such a rejection - if that is what he intended - necessitates that one free himself from the correct Islaam, which the righteous predecessors were upon, at the head of whom was the Prophet, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. This is as is indicated in the mutawaatir hadeeth found in the two Saheehs and other than them, that he, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:
"The best of mankind is my generation, then those that come after them, then those that come after them."
So it is not permissible for a Muslim to absolve himself from this ascription to the righteous predecessors, whereas, if he were to absolve himself from any other ascription, none of the scholars would be able to ascribe him with disbelief or sinfulness.
As for the one who rejects this name from himself, will you not see him ascribing himself to one of the madh-habs?! Regardless of whether this madh-hab is related to 'Aqeedah (Creed) or Fiqh (Jurisprudence)? So he is either Ash'aree or Matureedee. Or perhaps he is from the people of Hadeeth or Hanafee, or Shaafi'ee or Maalikee or Hanbalee or whatever else enters into the title of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah. But the one who ascribes himself to the Ash'aree madh-hab or to one of the four madh-habs is in fact ascribing himself to individuals that are not infallible, without a doubt, even if there were scholars among them who were correct (in their verdicts). I wish I knew - would these people reject the likes of these ascriptions to individuals who are not free from error?
As for the one who ascribes himself to the Salaf As-Saalih (righteous predecessors), then he indeed ascribes himself to infallibility ('ismah), in the general sense. The Prophet, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, has mentioned that one of the signs of the Saved Sect is that they will hold tightly onto what the Messenger of Allaah, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was upon and what his Companions were upon. So whosoever holds tightly onto them, then he is certainly upon the guidance from his Lord.
And furthermore, it is an ascription that brings honor to the one that ascribes himself to it, and one that facilitates for him the way of the Saved Sect. And these matters do not apply to anyone that ascribes himself to any other ascription, since they are not free from one of two things. Either it is an ascription to a specific individual that is not infallible or it is an ascription to a group of people who follow the methodology of this individual who is not infallible. So there is no infallibility (in their ascriptions) either way. On the opposite of this, there is the infallibility of the companions of the Prophet, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, (as a whole). And it is that which we have been commanded to hold tightly onto, from his Sunnah and the Sunnah of his Companions after him.
And we must persist and strongly emphasize that our understanding of Allaah's Book and the Sunnah of his Messenger, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, be in accordance with the methodology of his, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, Companions. This is so that we can be upon infallibility, as opposed to inclining away towards the right or the left, or deviating with an understanding that comes solely from ourselves, of which there is not found in the Book of Allaah or the Sunnah of His Messenger, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, that which provides evidence for it.
Furthermore, why is it not sufficient for us to ascribe ourselves to (just) the Qur'aan and the Sunnah? The reason goes back to two matters, the first of which is related to the religious texts, and the second of which is due to the appearance of numerous Islaamic groups.
With regard to the first reason, then we find in the religious texts, a command to obey something else in connection with the Qur'aan and the Sunnah, as is found in Allaah's saying:
"And obey Allaah and obey His Messenger and those in authority over you."
So if there were someone in authority, who was given the oath of allegiance by the Muslims, it would be obligatory to obey him just as it would be obligatory to obey the Qur'aan and the Sunnah. This is in spite of him, as well as those around him, committing errors. So it would be obligatory to obey him in order to repel the harm of differences of opinions. And this is with the well-known condition: "There is no obedience to the creation in disobeying the Creator." [see Silsilat-ul-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah: no. 179]
And Allaah, may He be Exalted, says:
"And whosoever opposes the Messenger after the guidance has been clearly explained to him, and he follows a way other than the way of the believers, We will turn him to what he has chosen and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination." [surah An-Nisaa: 115]
Indeed, Allaah, Mighty and Sublime, is free and far removed from all imperfections and defects. And there is no doubt or uncertainty that His mentioning of "the way of the believers" here, is only due to an immense and comprehensive wisdom and benefit. So it indicates that there is an important obligation - and it is that our following of the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, must be in accordance with what the first Muslims were upon. And they are the Companions of Allaah's Messenger, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, then those who came after them, then those who came after them. And this is what the da'wat-us-salafiyyah (The Salafee Call) invites and calls to. And it is that which is its main priority in the foundation of its call and the methodology of its educating process.
Indeed, the Salafee Call truly unites the ummah, while any other call only causes division to the ummah. Allaah, Mighty and Sublime, says:
"O you who believe, fear Allaah, and be with the truthful." [surah At-Tawbah: 119]
So anyone that makes a distinction between the Book and the Sunnah from one perspective and between the Salaf As-Saalih (Righteous Predecessors) from another perspective, then he can never be truthful.
As for with regard to the second reason, then the groups and parties of today do not direct at all towards the following of "the Way of the Believers", which has been mentioned in the ayah. And there are some ahaadeeth, which further confirm and support that ayah, such as the hadeeth of the seventy-three sects. All of them will be in the Hellfire except one. The Messenger of Allaah, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, described them as: "The one which is upon the same thing that I and my companions are upon today." [see As-Saheehah: no. 203 & 1492]
This hadeeth resembles that ayah which mentions the "Way of the Believers". Also, there is the hadeeth of Al-'Irbaad Ibn Saariyah, radyAllaahu 'anhu, in which he, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "So stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khaleefahs after me." [see Irwaa-ul-Ghaleel: no. 2455] So therefore, there are two Sunnahs: The Sunnah of the Messenger, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and the Sunnah of the righteous Khaleefahs.
So there is no doubt that we - us who come in a later time - we must return back to the Qur'aan, the Sunnah and the Way of the Believers. And it is not permissible for us to say: "We can understand the Qur'aan and the Sunnah by themselves, without turning towards what the righteous predecessors were upon."
There must be an ascription in this time that distinguishes and is detailed. So it is not sufficient for us to say, "I am a Muslim" only! Or "My madh-hab is Islaam"! For every sect says that! - the Raafidee, the Ibaadee, the Qadyianee, as well as other sectarians!! So what is it that distinguishes you from them?
And if you were to say, "I am a Muslim who is upon the Qur'aan and the Sunnah", this would also not be sufficient. This is because, the members of these sects - of the Ash'arees and the Matureedees and the Hizbees - they all claim to follow these two sources also. So there is no doubt that the clear, plain, distinctive and decisive classification is to say, "I am a Muslim who is upon the Qur'aan and the Sunnah and upon the methodology of the Salaf As-Saalih (Pious Predecessors). And that can be said in short by saying, "I am a Salafee."
So based on this, indeed the truth which is unavoidable, is that it is not enough to rely on the Qur'aan and the Sunnah without the methodology of the Salaf, for it explains these two with regard to understanding and concept, knowledge and action, and da'wah (calling) and Jihaad.
And we know that they (the Sahaabah), may Allaah be pleased with them, did not used to fanatically cling onto one specific madh-hab or to one specific individual. So there was not found amongst them he who was Bakree (a follower of Abu Bakr), or 'Umaree (a follower of 'Umar), or 'Uthmaanee (a follower of 'Uthmaan) or 'Alawee (a follower of 'Alee). Rather, if it were more easy for one of them to ask Abu Bakr or 'Umar or Abu Hurairah, he would ask any of them. This is because they believed that it was not permissible to have total and unrestricted devotion in following, except to one individual. Indeed, he was the Messenger of Allaah sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, the one who did not speak from his own desire, rather it was only revelation revealed to him.
And if we were to submit to these criticizers, for the sake of argument, that we would name ourselves "Muslims" only, without ascribing ourselves to the Salaf - in spite of it being an honorable and correct ascription. Would they abandon classifying themselves with the names of their parties or their madh-habs or their ways - based on the fact that they are not prescribed in the Religion nor are they correct?
"So this contrast between us is enough for you
And every container will eventually let out what is in it."
And Allaah is the Guide to the Right Path. And He, free is He from all defects, is the One in whom we seek assistance. [1]
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Footnotes:
[1] Translator's Note: It must be noted here that there is a difference between one ascribing himself to the Salaf and thus syaing he is Salafee and one taking that as part of his name, calling himself i.e. Abu Fulaan As-Salafee. This (latter example) is not what is intended here by the speech of our noble scholar, Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee, as can be seen in his example, since he did not used to attach the phrase "as-Salafee" at the end of his name. Neither was this the example set forth by the other major scholars of our time, such as Imaams Ibn Baaz, Ibn 'Uthaimeen and Muqbil bin Haadee Al-Waadi'ee. In spite of this, they were salafee in their Creed and their Methodology and when asked as to their methodology, they never hesitated to say that they were salafee or upon the Salafee Manhaj, and Allaah knows best.
Why The word Salafi? - Al-fateh - 04-05-2007
with all due respect, the salafi termed is misused these days
salaf of today are another form of khawarej, calling themselves "salaf"
when they are really far away from it....
Why The word Salafi? - Muslimah - 04-05-2007
Bismillah
as salam alykom
Welcome back brother fateh after one year, hope u stay with us this time.
Why The word Salafi? - MUSLIM SUNNI - 04-05-2007
Assalamou alaykoum,let's be honest et concise with the term salafi.in the quran we have been called muslim et the prophet(sas) says in the hadith sahih adhere to the quran ,my sunna and sunnate koulafa rashideen(the guided caliph) and he will never be misguided.hence,the word salafi or salaf can't be attributed to kawarijie as it was mentioned by one of the brother.this is a pure misconception regarding the word salaf.some muslims call themeselves "salafi" which is utterly wrong,and beyond that they are million miles far away from the understanding of the pious predecessors.if as they claim they are salafi,how come they associate themselves with the tawaghites,the oppressors and enemies of islam??!!in fact,they have completey distorted its meaning and lied about the best three generations of this oumma,this sect which calls itself salafi,in order to back up its deviated ways and thoughts they endeavour to associate themeselves with the salaf salah,that's way nowaydays you always find them launching fierce attack(s) on the genuine moujahidines,scholars and students of knowledge who stood up against oppression and transgression of the laws of Allah taala.you only have to look at the so-called salafiyine mourjiaa' jahamiya who have caused a much harm to the oumma than the previous kawarije(at the time of ali radiya allahou aanhou).the salaf salah(the 3 best generations and those who followed them) understood the meaning of"walaa' wal baraa'" at its perfection as well as tawhid,koufr bi taghoute,ashidaa' ala koufar rouhamaa' baynahoume(severe with the enemies of islam and merciful between them),whereas these salafis innovators are more close to the taghoute and enemies of islam than their own brothers and sisters.therefore,let's not be duped and trapped by this term salafi and so on......we are muslims who endeavour to adhere to the quran and sounna,and if we don't find what we are looking for in the quran and sounna,we go back to the sahabas who have witnessed the revelation and events at the time of the prophet(sas),and if not ijtihad wal kiyass(analogy),Allah knows best,aalahou aa'lam.if i am right in my sayings is from Allah taala,and if i am wrong is from myself and shaytan. :assalam:
Why The word Salafi? - Al-fateh - 04-05-2007
ok im glad some people see the truth
lets not just follow what is blind and presume, and instead do research and look more into it
Why The word Salafi? - Al-fateh - 04-05-2007
ill try my best to stay here and help out
im an admin myself on www.myislamweb.com
so inshallah i will try
Why The word Salafi? - abdulwalee - 04-08-2007
Quote:with all due respect, the salafi termed is misused these days<b> Please elaborate further so I may safeguard myself from following the salaf who are really the Khawrij</b>
salaf of today are another form of khawarej, calling themselves "salaf"
when they are really far away from it....
Why The word Salafi? - abdulwalee - 04-08-2007
Quote:ok im glad some people see the truth
lets not just follow what is blind and presume, and instead do research and look more into it
<b>The Salaf are The Sahabahs</b>. and I hope I can live up to following in their footsteps as regrd to aqeedah, manhaj, ibaadah, and aqlaaq(Manners, morals and adab) The Salafi's are a sect of muslims who are upon the truth from amoungst the many muslims out there They are ahlul Sunnah Ahlul hadeeth, and the saved sect. who from amoungst the many muslims out there are calling to the Qur'an and Sunnah as it was understood by the salaf. who else says that and makes that claim. yet there are others who call themselves salafi- So measure their claim with the statements and actions of the salaf, If you need to know if they are truthful in that claim.
The Salaf us-Saalih are distinguished for their adherence to the methodological principles outlined in the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of His Messenger and the practice of the Companions.
<b>Thus, in the arena of Aqeedah</b> (creed) the Salaf us-Saalih follow a particular methodology, which is opposed to that of other than them, such as the Ash'arees, the Mu'tazilah and their likes whose hallmark is to raise the intellect and kalaam (theological rhetoric) over the texts of the Book and the Sunnah and the well-known sayings of the Imaams of this ummah.
<b>Similarly, in the arena of Ibaadah</b> (worship), the Salaf us-Saalih adhere to a methodology opposed to that of the intoxicated Soofees and Grave worshippers, who invent and innovate into the religion that for which Allaah sent down no authority.
<b>Similarly, in the arena of Da'wah</b> (calling to Allaah) and current affairs, the Salaf us-Saalih are distinguished from the innovated and pretentious methodologies of the political activists, who under the guise of following the Salaf and the contemporary Ulamaa, rouse the emotions and sentiments of the common-folk, take them away from the firmly established scholars and merely call to themselves.
Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan - may Allaah preserve him - said, The reasons for disunity are many. From amongst the main causes are: Firstly, opposing the Manhaj (methodology) of the Salaf, the Companions of Allaah's Messenger and those who follow them. So the Salaf had a Manhaj that they adhered to; a Manhaj in aqeedah (creed), a Manhaj in da'wah (calling to Allaah), a Manhaj in enjoining good and forbidding evil, a Manhaj in how to judge between people. This Manhaj, in all situations, was based upon the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of our Messenger . [Wujoob ut-Tathabbut fil-Akhbaaar p.18] I hope this can be of help to the talkers out there, becauce the Ulema are who the Knowledge is sought from Not blindly but with authentic proofs from the legislated text of Qur'an and Sunnah as it was understood by the early Muslims. AS Allah says. {The forerunners those who came first among the Migrators and the Helpers and those who followed them with the best. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him and Allah has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow therein forever and that is the great success.} At-Taubah: 100
<b>A side note:</b>
<b>Also</b> The Prophet (s.a.w.s) said: "The best of my nation is my generation then those who follow them and then those who follow them." Saheeh Bukhari and there are many more proofs If you require them.
the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), when he warned about his Ummah splitting into seventy three sect, he said:
"All of them are in the fire, except one."
They said: ‘Wo are they, O Messenger of Allaah?’ He said:
"The Jamaa’ah."
Look, he said:
"All of them are in the Fire, except one."
They said: ‘Who are they?’ He said:
"The Jamaa’ah."
Ibn Mas’ood (radiyallaahu ‘anhu) said:
"The Jamaa’ah is what conforms to the truth, even if you are alone." [1]
Therefore, the seventy-three sects are false and futile, upon futility. And also in a weak narration, declared hasan (good) by some scholars due to its meaning, since its meaning has witness, when they said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah?’ He said:
"Those who are the like of what I and my Companions are upon today."[2]
Saheeh: Related by al-Laalikaa‘ee in Sharh Usoolul-I’tiqaad (no. 160) and by Ibn ’Asaakir in Taareekh Dimashq (13/322/2). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Takhreej Mishkaatul-Masaabeeh (1/61).
Related by al-Haythamee in Majma’uz-Zawaa‘id (1/189). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami‘ (52/9).
Why The word Salafi? - Al-fateh - 04-08-2007
to sum it up
the Salafi of today are diff than the Sahaba, Tabi'een, Tabi'een attabi'een
the word is being misused, thus they clame they only follow the ideology, knowing that the sahaba didnt call upon themselves as "salafi"
Why The word Salafi? - Dan - 04-09-2007
Bismillah
As Salam alaikum
I can see that some "salafis" go over board in labeling themselves as such.
I try to stay away from calling myself anything but what the Prophet and Companions called themselves... so very like what salafis do in practice.
We are commanded to refer back to the Prophet and His Messenger in our affairs (Nisa' 59). That is what I believe the salafi movement is about originally but as with most cases some go overboard in seperating themselves out from other muslims.
I like to think of salafi dawah as the call back to pure Islam... without cultural bias, without blind followings, and without deviances (bidah).
Most of all, I think it is important to get us as an ummah to stop labelling ourselves and sectioning off. One says Shafi, one says Malaki, one says Salafi, I am not going to think of them as being outside of Islam unless they do something that takes them obviously outside the deen, like getting Eucharist or worshipping idols and saints.
I think I've rambled
Astaghfirullah
As Salam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu