Linguistic Definition#

The word “Salaf” comes from the Arabic root س-ل-ف which means “to precede” or “to go before.” In Islamic terminology, it refers to the righteous predecessors - the early generations of Muslims who came before us.

Technical Definition#

The Salaf are the first three generations of Muslims:

1. The Companions (Sahabah) - Those who met the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and died as Muslims
2. The Followers (Tabi’een) - Those who met the Companions and died as Muslims
3. The Followers of the Followers (Tabi’ Tabi’een) - Those who met the Tabi’een and died as Muslims

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Testimony#

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The best of people are my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

This hadith establishes the superiority of the first three generations.

The Saved Sect#

The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:

“The Jews split into 71 sects, the Christians split into 72 sects, and my Ummah will split into 73 sects, all of them in the Hellfire except one.” When asked which one, he said: “The Jama’ah (the main body of Muslims).” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)

The “Jama’ah” refers to those who follow the way of the Salaf.

The Prophet’s Companions#

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“My companions are like the stars - whichever of them you follow, you will be guided.” (Abu Dawud)

This emphasizes the guidance found in following the Companions.

1. They Were Closest to the Prophet (ﷺ)#

The Salaf had direct access to:

• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself
• His teachings and explanations
• His practical demonstrations
• His immediate guidance and correction

2. They Understood the Religion Best#

The Salaf understood Islam:

• As it was revealed and taught
• Without the influence of later innovations
• With pure Arabic language comprehension
• In the context of the revelation

3. They Were the Most Righteous#

Allah testifies to their righteousness in the Quran:

“Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him.” (Quran 9:100)

4. They Avoided Innovation#

The Salaf strictly followed the Quran and Sunnah without introducing new matters into the religion. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it will be rejected.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

1. Following the Quran and Sunnah#

The Salaf’s methodology was based on:

From Usul as-Sunnah by Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal:

“The foundation of the Sunnah is: Following the Book of Allah, following the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), and following the way of the Salaf.”

2. Understanding Religion as the Early Muslims Did#

The Salaf understood Islam:

• According to the understanding of the Companions
• Without philosophical interpretations
• Without allegorical explanations
• With simple, clear comprehension

3. Avoiding Innovation (Bid’ah)#

The Salaf:

• Rejected all innovations in religion
• Stuck to authentic teachings
• Avoided newly invented matters
• Followed only what was established

4. Unity and Brotherhood#

The Salaf maintained:

• Unity in belief and practice
• Brotherhood among Muslims
• Avoidance of division and sectarianism
• Following the main body of Muslims

1. Study Their Understanding#

Learn from:

• The authentic books of the Salaf
• Their explanations of the Quran and Sunnah
• Their methodology in understanding religion
• Their approach to Islamic knowledge

2. Follow Their Creed (Aqeedah)#

Adopt their beliefs regarding:

• Allah’s names and attributes
• The fundamentals of faith
• The principles of monotheism
• The understanding of divine decree

3. Follow Their Worship#

Practice worship as they did:

• Following the Sunnah in prayer
• Adhering to authentic supplications
• Avoiding innovations in worship
• Maintaining simplicity and sincerity

4. Follow Their Character#

Emulate their:

• Humility and piety
• Knowledge and wisdom
• Patience and perseverance
• Sincerity and devotion

From Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal#

Imam Ahmad said in Usul as-Sunnah:

“The foundation of the Sunnah with us is: Holding fast to what the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) were upon, taking them as our example, and leaving innovation.”

From Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab#

In The Three Fundamental Principles, the methodology emphasizes:

“Knowledge is knowing Allah, knowing His Prophet, and knowing the religion of Islam with proofs.”

This knowledge must be based on the understanding of the Salaf.

From Imam Al-Barbahari#

In Sharh as-Sunnah:

“Know that Islam is the Sunnah, and the Sunnah is Islam, and one of them cannot be established without the other.”

1. “Salafis are a new sect”#

Response: Following the Salaf is not a new sect but following the original Islam as practiced by the early Muslims.

2. “The Salaf lived in a different time”#

Response: While times change, the fundamental principles of Islam remain the same. The Salaf’s understanding is timeless.

3. “We can’t follow the Salaf because we don’t have their knowledge”#

Response: We can follow their methodology and understanding through authentic books and teachings that have been preserved.

1. Guidance and Success#

Following the Salaf leads to:

• Correct understanding of Islam
• Protection from misguidance
• Success in this life and the hereafter
• Allah’s pleasure and reward

2. Unity and Brotherhood#

Following the Salaf promotes:

• Unity among Muslims
• Avoidance of division
• Stronger community bonds
• Collective strength

3. Authentic Knowledge#

Following the Salaf provides:

• Pure Islamic knowledge
• Uncorrupted understanding
• Reliable methodology
• Trustworthy guidance