“What is Salafiyyah?” – Shaykh Saaleh bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan

Q: What is Salafiyyah, and is it obligatory to adhere to it’s manners and methodology?

A: As-salafiyyah is following the methodology of the salaf from the sahaba, the tabi’een, and the virtuous generations in aqeedah, understanding, and behavior. And the comportment of the Muslim must be upon this methodology. Allah the Most High says:

And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. [Surat at-Tawbah, Ayah 100]

And Allah the Most High says:

And those who came after them say: “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. [Surat al-Hashr, Ayah 10]

And the saying of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم), ‘Hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Khulafa’a ar-Rashideen (ie. Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, ,may Allah be pleased with them) who will come after me. Beware of newly invented matters, for every bid’ah is a misguidance’. [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, al-Haakim, and others].

Translation: Abu Mohamed Abd Kareem Hagedorn

Source: الأجوبة المفيدة عن أسئلة المناهج الجديدة (Beneficial Questions and Answers on Innovated Methodologies)p. 157, DarAl Menhaj Publishers, 1424H