On Ascription to the Salaf

Abu Sarah

Allahu Akbar
Staff member
Answers To Common Misconceptions On Naming with Salafiyyah
There are numerous doubts often spread about naming with Salafiyyah and the word "Salafi", some of them coming from sincere people, based upon what they have experienced and other times coming from the devils amongst men, who wish to pass judgement upon the da`wah of truth, see it fall, and have it replaced with their own innovatory ejaculations and hallucinations of the mind. To proceed:

1) Labelling With Salafiyyah is an Innovation

The word "Salafiyyah" was not applied during the time of the Prophet :saw:(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and his companions this being due to the fact that the Muslims were upon the correct Islaam and there was no need for a word such as "Salafiyyah" at that time. However, when the tribulations occurred and the sects increased and the Ummah split the Ulamaa of the Ummaah stood to distinguish those upon the truth from those upon falsehood and hence they stated "Ahl ul-Hadeeth" and "as-Salaf".

Abu Haneefah (d. 150H) (rahimahullaah) said: "Adhere to the athar (narration) and the tareeqah (way) 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)

Based upon this "as-Salafiyyah" is distinguished from all the various Islamic factions due to their ascription to what guarantees for them the correct and true Islaam, which is adherence to what the Messenger:saw: (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and his companions were upon, as occurs in the authentic hadeeths.

In addition to that, the word "Salaf" was used by the Prophet :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) himself. He said to Faatimah, "How excellent a Salaf I am for you." (Muslim, no. 2450).

Imaam Muslim brings in his Muqaddimah to his Saheeh (p.16) the saying of Abdullaah ibn al-Mubaarak which he would say in front of all the people, "Abandon the hadeeths of Amr bin Thaabit, for he used to abuse the Salaf".

Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan said, "And how can making ones madhhab that of the Salaf be an innovation, an astray innovation?! And how can it be an innovation when it is but the following of the madhhab of the Salaf, and following their madhhab is obligatory by the Book and the Sunnah, and truth and guidance?!" (al-Bayaan p. 156).

Hence, ascribing oneself to the Salaf, which is but Salafiyyah is not an innovation, rather it is obligatory upon every Muslim to subscribe to the manhaj and aqidah of the Salaf. It can be said, "If labelling with Salafiyyah is an innovation, then so is labelling with Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah". And the objective behind using the term "Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah" is not hidden or unknown. Unfortunately, Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah is no longer sufficient to distinguish between the people of falsehood and the people of truth. Until even the word "Salafi" does not distinguish between the true Salafi, who is actually Salafi in his aqidah and manhaj and between the hizbi (partisan) who wears the gown of Salafiyyah, claiming to be Salafi. His aqidah may be Salafi but his way of thinking is adulterated with Qutubi or Hizbi principles, ideas and modes of thought and behaviour. He will show enmity to the Salafis, mock their Mashaayikh, and yet claim to be upon their way. Yet the viewpoints they take and the positions they hold and their loyalty and disownment indicate otherwise. This is why true Salafis give great importance to learning and knowledge so that the truth is apparent to them and the ignorant pretenders cannot befool them.

2) Allaah Has Named us Muslims, So Why Ascribe Ourselves to the Salaf

This doubt was very beatifully answered by Imaam al-Albaani in his discussion with someone on this subject, recorded on the cassette entitled, "I am Salafi", and here is a presentation of the vital parts of it:

Shaikh al-Albaani: "When it is said to you,What is your madhhab, what is your reply?"

Questioner: "A Muslim".

Shaikh al-Albaani: "This is not sufficient!".

Questioner: "Allaah has named us Muslims" and he recited the saying of Allaah Most High, "He is the one who has called you Muslims beforehand." (al-Hajj 22:78)

Shaikh al-Albaani: "This would be a correct answer if we were in the very first times (of Islaam) before the sects had appeared and spread. But if we were to ask, now, any Muslim from any of these sects with which we differ on account of aqeedah, his answer would not be any different to this word. All of them the Shi`ite Rafidi, the Khaariji, the Nusayri Alawi would say, "I am a Muslim". Hence, this is not sufficient in these days."

Questioner: "In that case I say, I am a Muslim upon the Book and the Sunnah."

Shaikh al-Albaani: "This is not sufficient either".

Questioner: "Why?"

Shaikh al-Albaani: "Do you find any of those whom we have just mentioned by way of example saying, I am a Muslim who is not upon the Book and the Sunnah?" Who is the one who says, I am not upon the Book and the Sunnah?"

At this point the Shaikh then began to explain in detail the importance of being upon the Book and the Sunnah in light of the understanding of the Salaf us-Saalih…

Questioner: "In that case I am a Muslim upon the Book and the Sunnah with the understanding of the Salaf us-Saalih".

Shaikh al-Albaani: "When a person asks you about your madhhab, is this what you will say to him?"

Questioner: "Yes".

Shaikh al-Albaani: "What is your view that we shorten this phrase in the language, since the best words are those that are few but indicated the desired intent, so we say,Salafi?" End of quotation.

Hence, the point is that naming with "Muslim" or "Sunni" is not enough, since everyone will claim that. And Imaam al-Albaani emphasised the importance of the truth being distinguished from the falsehood – from the point of view of the basis of manhaj and aqidah, and that is taking from the Salaf us-Saalih, as opposed to the various sects and groups whose understandings are based upon those of their mentors and leaders and not that of the Salaf, fundamentally.

3) Calling Oneself a Salafi is a Blameworthy (Tazkiyah) of Oneself

And this doubt has been answered by our Mashaayikh: Allaamah, (Abdul-Azeez Ibn Baz ) the [former] mufti of Saudi Arabia was asked: What do you say about the one who calls himself (Salafi or Athari )? Is this is a tazkiyah (purification) of his own self? So he replied may Allaah have mercy upon him "When he is being truthful [in his claim] that he is Salafi or Athari then there is not harm in that, [this is] similar to what the Salaf used to say, So and so is a Salafi, So and so is Athari. This is a tazkiyah (commendation) which is necessary, a tazkiyah that is obligatory." (Cassette: Haqq ul-Muslim 16/1/1413 Ta`if)

Shaikh Salih al-Fawzan was asked "Is the one who gives himself the title of (as-Salafi) considered to have set up a (hizb)?". To which he replied, "There is no harm in labelling oneself with Salafiyyah when it is in truth. However, if it is merely a claim then it is not permissible to label oneself with Salafiyyah, whilst one is upon a manhaj other than that of the Salaf." (Al-Ajwibah al-Mufidah p.16)

As for those who wish to discourage others from ascribing themselves to the Salaf and claim that it is a tazkiyah (self-praise) then their machinations are not hidden from us. Rather, Shaikh ul-Islaam refuted this false claim centuries ago and made it obligatory to accept the ascription of a person to the Salaf and held it to be by unanimous agreement since the aqidah and manhaj of the Salaf is nothing but the truth. But when it is the case that the manhaj of these people (the false claimants) is adulterated, then it should come as no surprise that they wish for the people to detach themselves from the Salaf since that is the only way that their falsehood can remain undetected.

4) Salafiyyah Causes Disunity

When it is the case that Salafiyyah is the understanding of the Book and the Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salaf of the Ummah and the Messenger :saw: (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) stated, "And this Ummah will split into seventy-three sects, all of them in the Hellfire but one". They said, which one is this O Messenger of Allaah? He replied, "They are those who are upon what I and my companions are upon today" (Tirmidhee, no.2643)

and when it is also the case that the splitting occurred by their abandoning the correct understanding, then Salafiyyah is but the way forward for unity and is not splitting or sectarianism.

As Shaikh Salih al-Fawzaan said, "As-Salafiyyah (i.e. the Salafis) is the Saved Sect, and they are Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah. It is not a hizb (party) from amongst the various parties, those who which are called "parties" today Hence Salafiyyah is a group of people (i.e. the Salafis) upon the madhhab of the Salaf, upon what the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and his companions were upon and it is not a hizb from amongst the contemporary groups present today." (Cassette: "at-Tahdheer min al-Bid`ah" second cassette, delivered as a lecture in Hawtah Sadeer, 1416H).

Thus, Salafiyyah, is an embodiment of what the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) left for his Ummah, whose night is like its day, pure clarity and anyone who departs from it will be destroyed, that is, he will enter into splitting, differing and fall into the sects that have been threatened with the Fire. Therefore, Salafiyyah which calls to a return to that which the Prophet :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and his companions were upon can never be considered to be splitting.

5) The Salafis Think Only They Are Correct

We have to make a distinction between that which is being ascribed to which is the way of the Salaf and the one who is ascribing himself to this. In absolute terms, that which is being subscribed to, that is the way of the Salaf, is nothing but the truth embodied, in both general specific terms, in issues of aqidah and manhaj, usool and furoo` and no-one denies or negates this save a heretic.

As for the one who subscribes himself to the Salafi Way, then in the basis of his ascription which is to that which cannot error then he is correct in that, and what is in opposition to this, is but error and misguidance. We mean here from the point of view of the generality of aqidah and manhaj and the usool of the religion. This is because the aqidah and the manhaj and the usool of the Salaf of all the ages is the same and they are united upon all of that.

Hence, one who is a Salafi and is true in his ascription to the Salaf and who proceeds upon knowledge and action, imitating their way, then he is correct in all of that inshaa’allah. And this person will either know the way of the Salaf in general terms, and he knows it to be correct, even though he may be ignorant of its particulars, yet he is still correct in considering their way and his way of following and imitating them to be the truth and whatever is in opposition to it, to be falsehood. Or he will know the way of the Salaf in both general and specific terms, in terms of aqidah and manhaj and usool and furoo and he will be correct in the majority of that which he holds onto and acts upon, and all of this is dependent upon his sincerity in learning and his zeal for acquiring knowledge and acting upon it.

As for the individual being correct in every single issue from the subsidiary matters, then if one makes that claim, then he is in error. Since it is not possible for any one to be correct in every single subsidiary issue of the religion, since firstly, it is not possible for him to have knowledge of all of that, and secondly, when the Imaams of the past did not attain that, it is hardly likely that any of the followers of the latecomers will ever reach that. Hence, in the subsidiary matters it is possible for the Salafi to be in error, yet that does not negate his being correct in his aqidah and manhaj, and in general terms to be upon that which takes him out from being within the seventy-two sects of innovation and misguidance.

However, it is often the case that the one subscribing to the way of the Salaf and making an outward display of that is in fact upon the astray methodologies, yet he proclaims orthodoxy and pleads a sound aqidah and manhaj. Though he may be of sound aqidah, he may upon an adulterated manhaj. In this situation, such a one is not correct or truthful in his ascription, since he has a manhaj other than that of the Salaf, and this is determined by looking and seeing: Does he defend Sayyid Qutb? Does he subscribe to the view and scandal of Abdur-Rahmaan Abdul-Khaaliq? Does he praise Mohammad Qutb and take him as a guide and leader. Does he defend and aggrandise Hasan al-Bannaa? Does he speak with the terms and phrases of the Innovators, "al-Ummah al-Ghaa’ibah" (The Absent Ummah), "Shabaab us-Sahwah" (The Youth of the Awakening), "Tawhid ul-Haakimiyyah", "al-Muwaazanah" and other such phrases which have become the slogans of the Innovators. So we look and see, what other affiliations does he have, who does he mix with, who does he talk to, what are the books that he refers to, and in this manner we come to know of his true orientation in his manhaj, and from this we come to know whether he is an imposter, claiming the way and manhaj of the Salaf, yet upon other than it.


6) The Salafis Are Arrogant And Have Bad Manners

And this is a very subtle matter, requiring careful thought and deliberation. As for bad manners, then this is often due to the upbringing and nature of the individual, his characteristics and his personality, and it is not necessary a reflection of the base and foundation, the aqidah and manhaj of the Salaf, which is nothing but the truth. So a person may be in need of correcting his manners and calling with wisdom (that is the Sunnah) and beautiful argumentation, so that his invitation is more readily accepted. But this is not pretext for rejecting the validity and correctness of the way of the Salaf and ascribing oneself to it, since that is the only way of deliverance. So we make a difference between what sometimes occurs from some of the Salafis of bad manners, and between what is actually a knowledge-based manhaj that is derived from the Book and the Sunnah. The blame is upon the individual and not the base and foundation. The same can be said about every other Muslim, regardless of what astray methodology or heretical belief he subscribes to, amongst them are those with evil manners and bad habits. But a manhaj or aqidah is judged according to its agreement or disagreement with what the Prophet :saw: (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and his Companions and the Salaf were upon, fundamentally, not by the behaviour of its people. Refer also to the next doubt for more clarification.

As for arrogance, then sometimes this may occur from an individual, in which case he is censured, yet in other cases it is perceived to be arrogance, though the individual does not have any arrogance but only love for the truth, being certain in that truth but he is understood to have arrogance by his counterpart or opponent or the one that he is inviting. And it can often be the case that arrogance is actually on behalf of the one who does not accept the truth of what is being said by the one who subscribes to the Salafi aqidah and manhaj (and who is not a false pretender from amongst the biased partisans!!). Remember this, for this is often the case. As the Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said, "Arrogance is rejection of the truth, and looking down upon the people". Many of those who claim the Salafis are arrogant, then refuge is from Allaah, in truth they are the arrogant ones for they do not accept the true call and the correct da`wah, out of arrogance, and then they accuse the Salafis of being arrogant. So remember this, for every coin has two sides.

Consider, a Salafi may be inviting a person to the truth, in a matter in which he knows that he is correct. He is harsh and insists that he is correct and so he is accused of being arrogant, though the only reason he has exhibited this behaviour is his love for the truth and upholding the truth. Even though we may say that his action is incorrect and misplaced and his great zeal has led him to behave inappropriately, either due to lack of knowledge or due to bad manners. So it is upon him to correct all of that. Otherwise the one being invited ends up not accepting the truth on account of the way it was presented.

So we say that arrogance may sometimes be exihibited, and this returns back to the individual, not the manhaj or aqidah he subscribes to. Indeed, we can say that many of the Sufi Heretics are indeed arrogant in their claim of sure deliverance from the Fire and their requesting submissive obedience from their herd of followers thinking themselves to be above the people. And we can extend this to all of the sects and groups of innovation. Arrogance is found everywhere and is not a referent point for whether a person’s manhaj and aqidah is correct or not. Rather the manhaj and aqidah itself is the referent point, and all of that is thrown against what the Salaf were upon.

We leave you with the remainder of the discussion between Imaam al-Albaani and the questioner concerning naming with "Salafiyyah":

Questioner: [Continuing from where we left off] "Alright, I will submit to you and I say to you: Yes (I agree about summarising with saying I am Salafi), yet my belief is what has preceded, since the first thing that a person thinks of when he hears that you are a Salafi is that he recalls much of the experience he has had and which has involved severity which leads to harshness, all of which sometimes occurs from the Salafis."

Shaikh al-Albaani: "Lets accept that your words are correct. If you said ;I am a Muslim, will not a persons think of a Shi`ite Rafidee, or a Druze or an Ismaaeeli (and incline to him)."

Questioner: "It is possible, however, I will have followed the noble verse, "He has named you Muslims".

Shaikh al-Albaani: "No my brother! You have not followed the verse, since the verse means the correct form of Islaam. It is necessary that you address the people according to their level of understanding… so will anyone understand from you (when you say[I am a Muslim]) that you are indeed a Muslim with the desired meaning in the verse (of correct Islaam)? As for the various cautionary matters you have mentioned, then these are sometimes correct and sometimes they are not correct. Since your saying about harshness, then this can sometimes occur from individuals, yet this is not representative of a methodology that is tied to knowledge and belief. Leave aside individuals for now, we are actually talking about manhaj (methodology). This is because when we say Shi`ite, or a Druze, or a Khaarijee, or a Soofee, or a Mutazilee, the various cautionary matters you raised come into play (and can apply to them aswell). Hence, this is not the subject of our discussion. We are investigating a name which gives evidence to the madhhab of an individual and by which he worships Allaah ; Are not all the Companions Muslims?"

Questioner: "Naturally."

Shaikh al-Albaani: "However, there was amongst them, one who stole, or fornicated, but this does not allow any of them to say, [I am not a Muslim], rather he is a Muslim and a Believer in Allaah, as a chosen way, however he sometimes opposes his chosen way, because he is not infallible. And it is for this reason that we [ may Allaah bless you ] are speaking about a word which indicates our aqidah and our thought and our starting point in our lives and which relates to the affairs of our religion by which we worship Allaah. As for the issue of so and so who is harsh and so and so who is lax and too soft, then that is an entirely different issue…. I wish that you would reflect upon this concise word (i.e. Salafi) so that you do not persist upon the word (Muslim). And you know that there is no one who will understand what you really intend (by using the word Muslim alone) ever…" End Quote (Cassette "I am a Salafi").

And inshaa`allah, this explains our intent and the important differentiation that we had alluded to earlier in replying to this doubt.

7) The Salafis Lack Piety Whereas Other than Them Are Pious and Abstemious

And this too is a very old doubt which has been answered by the Salaf themselves, those of old. And we merely leave you with their words:

Ibn Abbaas (d. 68H) said: "Indeed the most detestable of things to Allaah are the innovations." (Reported by al-Bayhaqee in as-Sunan al-Kubraa 4/316)

Ibn Umar (d. 84H) said: "Every innovation is misguidance, even if the people see it as something good." (Reported by Abu Shaamah no. 39)

Sufyaan ath-Thawree (d. 161H) said:"Innovation is more beloved to Iblees than sin, since a sin may be repented from but innovation is not repented from." (Reported by al-Laalikaaee no. 238)

Imaam ash-Shaafiee (d. 204H) said: "That a person meets Allaah with every sin except Shirk is better than meeting Him upon any one of the innovated beliefs." (Reported by al-Bayhaqee in al-Itiqaad p.158)

Al-Layth bin Sa`d (d. 175H) said: "If I saw a person of desires (i.e. innovations) walking upon the water I would not accept from him." So Imaam as-Shaafiee then said: ""He (al-Layth) has fallen short. If I saw him walking in the air I would not accept from him." (Reported by as-Suyooti in al-Amr bil Ittibaa wan-Nahee anil Ibtidaa.)

Yunus bin Ubaid said to his son, "I forbid you from fornication (zinaa), stealing and drinking wine. However that you meet Allaah with any of these sins is better to me than that you meet him with the view of Amr bin Ubaid and the associates of Amr (i.e. the Mu`tazilah)." (al-Ibaanah 2/466).

Sa`eed bin Jubair said, "That my son accompanies a sinful and cunning scoundrel who is a Sunni is more beloved to me than that he accompanies a devoteful and worshipful Innovator." (al-Ibaanah no. 89).

Imaam Al-Barbahaaree said, "However, if you see a person whose manner and opinion is despicable, he is wicked, sinful and oppressive, yet he is a person of the Sunnah, accompany him and sit with him, since his sin will not harm you. If you see a man who strives hard and long in worship, is abstemious, being continual in worship, except that he is a person of innovation, do not sit with him, do not listen to his words and do not walk along with him, since I do not feel safe that you will not eventually come to be pleased with his way and go to destruction along with him." (Sharh us-Sunnah no. 149).

Imaam Ahmad said, [/B]"The graves of Ahl us-Sunnah from those who committed the major sins are like gardens. And the graves of Ahl ul-Bid`ah from amongst their abstemious pious ones are hollow and empty. The sinners of Ahl us-Sunnah are the Awliyaa (Friends) of Allaah and the abstemious pious ones of Ahl ul-Bid`ah are the Enemies of Allaah." (Tabaqaat ul-Hanaabilah 1/184).

Consider well, O Sunni, what our Pious Forefathers have left for us as a legacy and as an admonition. When it is the case that Innovations in aqidah and manhaj are the cause of splitting and differing, and lead to the emergence of sects, and these sects have been threatened with Fire, and when it is also the case that Shaytaan beautifies the Innovations and makes them appealing and to be guidance and light, then the People of Innovation and Adulterated Principles are more dangerous and harmful than a sinful, villain from Ahl us-Sunnah. For you know of your crime with the latter and can repent from it and amend your ways, but when you take as your friend Adnaan Ar`oor the Qutubist Politician, Mohammad Qutb the Takfiri Khariji, Mohammad Suroor the Takfiri Qa`dee, Abdur-Rahmaan Abdul-Khaaliq the Shurocrat and Sworn Bannaawi, then you think them to be upon guidance and you think their adulterated principles and innovatory methodologies to be the truth embodied and you think that these principles and methodologies are a deliverance for the Ummah, and so you affiliate yourself with them and show loyalty and disownment for their sake and thus fall into the Fire., the while you think yourself to be a rightly guided "Salafi" (!!), yet you are nothing but a hizb (sect) from amongst the ahzaab, upon other than the Manhaj of Nubuwwah.
 

Abu Sarah

Allahu Akbar
Staff member
Are The Salafis From Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah

In the verdict of the Permanent Committee, No. 1361 (1/165) there occurs, "Salafiyyah is an ascription to the Salaf, and the Salaf are the Companions of Allaah's Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and the Imaams of Guidance from the the first three generations (may Allaah be pleased with them), those whose goodness has been testified for by Allaah`s Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam), "The best of people are my generation, then those who follow after them, then those who follow after them, then there will come a people whose testimony will precede their oath and their oath will precede their testimony." Reported by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad and also by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.

And "the Salafis" (Salafiyyoon) is the plural of "Salafi", which is an ascription to the Salaf, and its meaning has already preceded. And they are the ones who traverse upon the minhaaj of the Salaf, from amongst the followers of the Book and the Sunnah, those who call to them both, and to acting upon them, as a result of which they are from Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah."

There also occurs in their reply to the question, "I want the explanation of the word [Salaf] and also who are the Salafis?", the following, "The Salaf [i.e. the Salafis] are Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah, the followers of Muhammad :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) from amongst the Companions and whoever follows their methodology until the Day of Judgement, and when the Messenger (sallallaaahu alaihi wasallam) was asked about al-Firqah an-Naajiyah (the Saved Sect), he said, "They are those who are upon what I and my companions are upon today…" (Fatwaa No. 6149, 2/164).

Shaikh Ibn Uthaimeen states, "Who are the Ahl ul-Athar? They are the ones who follow the aathaar, they follow the Book and the Sunnah and the sayings of the Companions (radiallaahu anhum). And this does not befit any group (firqah) amongst the sects except the Salafiyyeen, those who adhere to the path of the Salaf…" which occurs on the first tape of his explanation of "al-Aqeedat as-Safaareeniyyah".

Likewise the Noble Shaikh stated in Sharh ul-Aqeedat ul-Waasitiyyah (1/123), "...There is no doubt, however, that one of them is truly Ahl us-Sunnah - but which one? Is it the Ash'arees, the Maatureedees or the Salafis? Whichever of them agrees with the Sunnah is considered to be Ahl us-Sunnah, whilst whichever of them opposes is not. So we say: The Salaf are Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah, and this description cannot be true for anyone else besides them Rather Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah are those who hold to what the Prophet :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and his Companions were upon, and to the aqidah of the Salaf - until the Day of Judgement and they are the Salaf."

Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan said, "And the Salaf and whoever follows their way never cease to distinguish between the Salaf and their followers from those who are other than them from the Innovators and Astray Sects, and they call them (i.e. the followers of the Salaf) Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, the Followers of the Salaf, and their works are full of this, when they refute the sects in opposition to the sect (firqah) of Ahl us-Sunnah and the Followers of the Salaf." (al-Bayaan p.130).

He also said, "And how can making one`s madhhab that of the Salaf be an innovation, an astray innovation?! And how can it be an innovation when it is but the following of the madhhab of the Salaf, and following their madhhab is obligatory by the Book and the Sunnah, and truth and guidance?!" (al-Bayaan p. 156).

And he also said, "And so he described this one sect to be the one that follows the manhaj (methodology) of the Salaf, and which traverses upon it, so he said, "They are those who are upon what I and my companions are upon today…". So he indicated that there is a Salafi Jamaa’ah which has preceded and that there will be a Jamaa`ah which comes after, who will follow the former one in its way and methodology, and that there will be groups in opposition to it and who have been threatened with Hellfire." (al-Bayaan p. 133).


And Shaikh Salih al-Fawzaan was also asked, "Is Salafiyyah a hizb (party) from amongst the parties. And is ascribing to them (i.e. the Salafis) a blameworthy thing?"

To which he replied, "As-Salafiyyah (i.e. the Salafis) is the Saved Sect, and they are Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah. It is not a hizb (party) from amongst the various parties, those which are called "parties" today. Rather they are the Jamaa`ah, the Jamaa`ah upon the Sunnah and upon the Deen (religion). They are Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah. The Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said, "There will not cease to be a group from my Ummah manifest and upon the truth not being harmed by those who forsake them neither by those who oppose them" and he :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) also said, "And this Ummah will split into seventy-three sects, all of them in the Hellfire but one". They said, which one is this O Messenger of Allaah? He replied, "They are those who are upon what I and my companions are upon today".

Hence Salafiyyah is a group of people (i.e. the Salafis) upon the madhhab of the Salaf, upon what the Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and his companions were upon and it is not a hizb from amongst the contemporary groups present today. Rather it is the very old Jamaa’ah, from the time of the Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) which inherits (this way) and continues, and which never ceases to be upon the manifest truth until the establishment of the Hour, as he :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) has informed (us)." (Cassette: "at-Tahdheer min al-Bid`ah" second cassette, delivered as a lecture in Hawtah Sadeer, 1416H).

And Imaam al-Albaani said, "For this reason, we firmly and resolutely believe that every Jamaa’ah whose foundation is not built upon the Book and the Sunnah and the manhaj of the Salaf us-Saalih with a complete and comprehensive study (of that manhaj) which encompasses all the rulings pertaining to Islaam, the large and the small, the foundations and the subsidiary issues, then this Jamaa’ah is not from the Firqah Naajiyah that traverses upon the Straight Path which the Messenger :saw: (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) alluded to in the authentic hadeeth. And when he have also made binding that there are (certainly) many Jamaa’aat (groups) spread throughout the Islamic lands who are upon this particular manhaj, then these groups are not sects (ahzaab), rather they all constitute a single Jamaa’ah whose manhaj is one and whose path is one. And their being separated in the land is not a separation based upon ideology, creed or manhaj but one that is based upon their being in different lands, in opposition to the Jamaa’aat and Ahzaab (sects) who are all in a single land, yet despite that, every sect rejoices with that which is with it (of ideas and methodologies)…"
(In Fataawaa Shaikh al-Albaani p.106-114 compiled by Ukkaashah Abdul-Mannaan at-Tiyyi)
 

Abu Sarah

Allahu Akbar
Staff member
Are the Salafis A New Sect

Shaikh Salih al-Fawzaan was asked, "Is Salafiyyah a hizb (party) from amongst the parties. And is ascribing to them (i.e. the Salafis) a blameworthy thing?"

To which he replied, "As-Salafiyyah (i.e. the Salafis) is the Saved Sect, and they are Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. It is not a hizb (party) from amongst the various parties, those which are called "parties" today. Rather they are the Jamaa’ah, the Jamaa’ah upon the Sunnah and upon the Deen (religion). They are Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. The Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said, "There will not cease to be a group from my Ummah manifest and upon the truth not being harmed by those who forsake them neither by those who oppose them" and he :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) also said, "And this Ummah will split into seventy-three sects, all of them in the Hellfire but one". They said, which one is this O Messenger of Allaah? He replied, "They are those who are upon what I and my companions are upon today". Hence Salafiyyah is a group of people (i.e. the Salafis) upon the madhhab of the Salaf, upon what the Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and his companions were upon and it is not a hizb from amongst the contemporary groups present today. Rather it is the very old Jamaa`ah, from the time of the Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) which inherits (this way) and continues, and which never ceases to be upon the manifest truth until the establishment of the Hour, as he :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) has informed (us)." (Cassette: "at-Tahdheer min al-Bid`ah" second cassette, delivered as a lecture in Hawtah Sadeer, 1416H).

Shaikh Saalih Aal ash-Shaikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia, stated, "Muslims are of two groups: Salafis and Khalafis. As for the Salafis, then they are the followers of Salaf us-Saalih (first three generations of Muslims). And as for the Khalafis, then they are the followers of the understanding of the Khalaf and they are also called Innovators - since everyone who is not pleased and satisfied with the path of the Salaf us-Saalih, in knowledge and action, understanding and fiqh, then he is a khalafi, an innovator." (Haadhihi Mafaaheemunaa, Chapter on Ascription Salaf and Salafiyyah).

In the verdict of the Permanent Committee, No. 1361 (1/165) there occurs, "Salafiyyah is an ascription to the Salaf, and the Salaf are the Companions of Allaah's Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and the Imaams of Guidance from the the first three generations (may Allaah be pleased with them), those whose goodness has been testified for by Allaah's Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam), "The best of people are my generation, then those who follow after them, then those who follow after them, then there will come a people whose testimony will precede their oath and their oath will precede their testimony." Reported by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad and also by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.

And "the Salafis" (Salafiyyoon) is the plural of "Salafi", which is an ascription to the Salaf, and its meaning has already preceded. And they are the ones who traverse upon the minhaaj of the Salaf, from amongst the followers of the Book and the Sunnah, those who call to them both, and to acting upon them, as a result of which they are from Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah."

Stated Abdul-Azeez bin Abdur-Rahmaan Aal as-Sa`ood, "Indeed I am Salafi, my aqidah is Salafiyyah, by whose requirements I traverse upon the Book and the Sunnah". (Stated during the pilgrimage of 1965, Al-Mushaf was-Sayf p.135)
 

Abu Sarah

Allahu Akbar
Staff member
So Who Are Ahl ul-Hadith?

So Who Are Ahl ul-Hadith?
Author: Shaikh Rabee' bin Haadee al-Madkhalee
Source: Makaanat Ahl ul-Hadith (trans. by Bilal Davies, forthcoming SP release)​



They are those who proceed upon the way of the Companions and those who followed them in righteousness, in clinging to the Book and the Sunnah, biting onto that with their molar teeth, and letting them (i.e., the Qur'aan and the Sunnah) take precedence over any statement or code and conduct - whether in belief, or acts of worship such as dealings and transactions, mannerisms, politics or social life.

They are those who are firm in regards to the fundamentals of the religion and its subsections, upon that which Allaah sent down and revealed upon his servant and Messenger Muhammad :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam). They are those establishing the call to that with all effort, sincerity and firm will. They are those carrying the knowledge of the Prophet :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam), expelling from it the distortions of those who have exaggerated (in its regard) and the undue claims of the people of falsehood and the interpretations of the ignorant ones.

They are those who are observant and lie in wait for every group that has deviated from the way of Islaam, like the Jahmees and the Mu'tazilees and the Khawaarij and the Rawaafidh and the Murji'ah and the Qadriyyah and all of those who have deviated from the way of Allaah and have followed their desires in every time and place - they not affected by the reproach of the blamers, in the cause of Allaah

They are the group that the Messenger of Allaah has praised and commended in his saying, "There will not cease to be a group from my Ummah manifest and upon the truth not being harmed by those who forsake them neither by those who oppose them until the hour is established." [1]

They are the Saved Sect firm upon that which the Messenger and his Companions were upon, those who have been distinguished and defined by the Messenger of Allaah when he mentioned that this Ummah shall divide into seventy three sects all going to the Hell-fire except one and it was said, "Who are they, O Messenger of Allaah?" He said, "They are those who are upon that which I and my Comapnions are upon."

And this is not something we say in exageration or a mere claim, but verily we speak a reality that the text of the Qur'aan and the Sunnah bears witness to, which history bears witness to, and to which their (i.e., the Ahlul-Hadeeth's) statements, their state of affairs, their writings and works also bear witness to. They are those who put before their eyes the statement of Allaah:

And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allaah. [2]

And His statement:

And let those who oppose the Messengers commandment beware lest some fitnah befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them. [3]

They are the most staunch in distancing themselves from opposing the command of the Messenger and the most distant from fitnah. They are those who make their constitution:

But no, by your Lord! They can have no faith, until they make you (O Muhammad :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam)) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept them with full submission. [4]

They are those who give to the Qur'aan and the Sunnah their true worth and give it the honour and veneration it deserves, giving priority to them over all the statements of mankind, and give precedence to their guidance over the guidance of all the people, and they judge by them in all affairs with complete pleasure, with chests which are expanded and free of restraint or constriction, and they submit to Allaah and His Messenger (with) a complete submission in their 'aqeedah and their worship and their dealings. They are those concerning whom the statement of Allaah holds true:

The only saying of the faithful believers when they are called to Allaah and His Messenger :saw:(sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) to judge between them, is that they say, "We hear and we obey," and such are the prosperous ones.[5]

They after all of the Comapanions - and at the head of them the rightly guided Caliphs - are the leaders of the taabi'een and at the head of them: Sa'eed ibn al-Musayyib (d. 90H), 'Urwah ibn Zubair (d. 94H), 'Alee ibn al-Hussain Zain al-'Aabideen (d. 93H), Muhammad ibn Hanafiya (d. 80H), 'Ubaydullaah ibn 'Abdillaah ibn 'Utbah ibn Mas'ood (d. 94H or later), Saleem ibn 'Abdillaah ibn 'Umar (d. 106H), Qaasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abee Bakr as-Sadeeq (d. 106H), al-Hasan al-Basree (d. 110H), Muhammad ibn Sireen (d. 110H), 'Umar ibn 'Abdul-'Azeez (d. 101H) and Muhammad ibn Shihaab az-Zuhree (d. 125H).

Then the Atbaa'at-Taabi'een and at the head of them: Imaam Maalik (d. 179H), al-Awzaa'ee (d. 157H), Sufiyaan ibn Sa'eed ath-Thawree (d. 161H), Sufyaan ibn Uyayna (d. 198H), Ismaa'eel ibn Ubya??? (d. 193H), Layth ibn Sa'd (d. 175H) and Aboo Haneefah an-Nu'maan (d. 150H).

Then those who followed them and at the head of them: 'Abdullaah ibn al-Mubaarak (d. 181H), Wakee' ibn al-Jarraah (d. 197H), the Imaam Muhammad ibn Idrees ash-Shaafi'ee (d. 204H), 'Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Mahdee (d. 198H), Yahya ibn Sa'eed al-Qataan (d. 198H) and Afaan ibn Muslim (d. 219H).

Then their students who followed them in this methodology, and at the head of them: the Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 241H), Yahya ibn Ma'een (d. 233H) and 'Alee ibn al-Madeenee (d. 234H).

Then their students like al-Bukhaaree (d. 256H), Muslim (d. 261H), Abee Haatim (d. 277H), Abee Zara' (Aboo Zur'ah?) (d. 264H), Aboo Daawood (d. 275H), at-Tirmidhee (d. 279H) and an-Nasaa'ee (d. 303H).

Then those who proceeded in their way in the generations that preceded them, like Ibn Jareer (at-Tabaree?) (d. 310H), Ibn Khuzaymah (d. 311H), ad-Daaraqutnee (d. 385H) in his time, al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (d. 463H) and Ibn 'Abdul-Barr an-Niwaaree (d. 463H).

And 'Abdul-Ghanee al-Maqdasee (d. 620H), Ibn Salaah (d. 643H), Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728H), al-Mizzee (d. 743H), adh-Dhahabee (d. 748H), Ibn Katheer (d. 774H) and their contemporaries who lived in their time and those who came after them, and followed their footsteps in holding on to the Book and the Sunnah up until the present day.

These are who I mean by Ahlul-Hadeeth.

NOTES

[1] Hadeeth saheeh, collected by Muslim (3/1523), Ahmad (5/278-279), Aboo Dawood (3/4), Tirmidhee (4/420), Ibn Maajah (1/4-5), Haakim (4/449-450), at-Tabaraanee in Mu'jam al-Kabeer (7643) and Aboo Daawood at-Tayaalisi (p. 94, no. 689). Authenticated by al-Albaanee in As-Saheehah (270-1955).
 

Abu Sarah

Allahu Akbar
Staff member
The Statement of the Muhaddith of the Era

Shaykh al-Albaanee said: "However, there are some who claim knowledge who deny this ascription, claiming that it has no foundation, saying: "It is not permissible for a Muslim to say: I am Salafi." And it is as if he is saying: "It is not permissible for me to say: l am following the Salafus-Saalih in what they were upon in 'aqeedah, worship and manners!" And there is no doubt that the likes of this denial - if that is what is meant - implies that he is disassociating himself from the correct Islaam that the Salafus-Saalih were upon ... Thus it is not permissible for a Muslim to disassociates himself from being ascribed to the Salafus-Saalih. If, however, he freed himself from any other nisbah ( ascription ), then none of the people of knowledge could accuse him of disbelief or sinfulness. However, the one who refuses calling himself with this name Salafi, then it should be seen, does he attribute himself to a particular madhhab - whether in matters of 'aqeedah or fiqh" So perhaps he will call himself an Ash'aree or a Maatareedee, or he may be from Ahlul-Hadeeth, or a Hanafee, Maalikee, Shaafi'ee or Hanbalee - from those matters which enter into the term Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah. Despite that fact that the one who ascribes himself to the Ash'aree madhhab, or the four well-known madhhabs, then he has ascribed himself to those who are not protected from making mistakes as individuals - even though there are from them Scholars that attain what is correct. So why O why do they not reject the likes of these ascriptions to individuals who are not protected from mistakes? However, as for the one who ascribes himself to the Salafus-Saalih collectively - then he ascribes himself to that which is protected from mistakes." [Al-Asaalah Magazine 9/87]
 

Abu Sarah

Allahu Akbar
Staff member
Statements from the Salaf on Ascription to the Salaf

Imaam al-Asbahaanee (d.535H) - rahimahullaah - said: "The sign of Ahlus-Sunnah is that they follow the Salafus-Saalih and abandon all that is innovated and newly introduced into the Deen." [Al-Hujjah fee Bayaanil Mahajjah 1/364]

Abu Haneefah (d. 150H) (rahimahullaah) said: "Adhere to the athar (narration) and the tareeqah (way) 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]

lbn Taymiyyah (d.728H) - rahimahullaah - said: "There is no criticism for the one who 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)." [Majmoo al-Fataawaa 4:149]

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 'ilmul-kalaam (innovated speech and rhetorics). I say: He never entered into 'ilmul-kalaam, nor argumentation. Rather, was a Salafee (a follower of the Salaf). "[Siyar 16/457]

As-Sam'aanee (d.562H) said in al-lnsaab (3/273): "As-Salafi: this is an ascription to the Salaf and following their ways, in that which is related from them."

lbn al-Atheer (d.630H) said in al-Lubaab fee Tahdheebul-lnsaab (2/162), commenting upon the previous saying of as-Sam'aanee: "And a group were known by this ascription." So the meaning is: that the term Salafi, and its ascription to them, was a matter known in the time of Imaam as-Sam'aanee, or before him
 
Top