Salafi Movement

Mainstream

السلفية

Overview

A reformist movement within Ahl us-Sunnah calling for a return to the methodology of the Salaf al-Salih (pious predecessors) in all matters of creed, worship, and practice. The Salafi methodology is not a new sect but a call to return to the Athari approach of the early Muslims. Major scholars associated with this methodology include Ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328 CE), Ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703–1792 CE), and 20th-century scholars such as Ibn Baz, al-Albani, and Ibn Uthaymin.

Key Beliefs

Return to the Quran and Sunnah upon the methodology of the Companions
Rejection of taqlid (blind following) in favor of following evidence
Strict Athari aqeedah — affirming Allah's attributes without ta'wil
Rejection of bid'ah in worship practices
Varying positions on political engagement — generally quietist (Madkhali) to activist (Muslim Brotherhood-adjacent)

Scholarly Evaluation

The Salafi call — at its core — is identical to the call of Ahl us-Sunnah throughout history. It is a reform movement, not a new sect. However, the label 'Salafi' has been claimed by groups with varying methodologies, including some who have adopted Kharijite-adjacent political positions (takfiri Salafism, Salafi-jihadism) — which are entirely condemned by mainstream Salafi scholars and are not part of the Salafi methodology.

Key Figures

Ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328 CE)
Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703–1792 CE)
Shaykh Ibn Baz (1910–1999 CE)
Shaykh al-Albani (1914–1999 CE)
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin (1929–2001 CE)

Sources

Al-Aqeedah al-Wasitiyyah (Ibn Taymiyyah)
Kitab al-Tawhid (Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab)
Silsilah al-Ahadith al-Sahihah (al-Albani)

Founded

1700 CE