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The Clear Understanding of the Salafī Daʿwah

Shaykh Abū al-Ḥasan Mālik Ādam

Benefits by Abū al-Ḥasan Mālik taken from the books: From the Advice of the Salaf, and The Salafῑ Daʿwah and Its Correct Understanding in Belief, Manhaj and Worship.

The Prophet (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) said: Whoever invents something into this religion that which is not from it, it is rejected.

He (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) also said: Whoever desires a sunnah other than the sunnah of ours, is not from amongst us.

[Q]: Is it permissible for the people to argue with those who say “we are Salafῑ?”

Here are some points from the detailed answer:

  • They (the Salafῑ’s) try to adhere and remain upright upon the truth
  • They try to rid the innovations in the religion
  • They are the most concerned with the authenticity of the ahādith
  • This is the daʿwah of all the Messengers [the call to Tawhῑd]
  • This is the call to the obedience of the Messenger (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) 

The word salafīyyah comes from salafa [meaning something that has preceeded]. The word salaf is everything that has preceeded. What is intented when salaf is mentioned is the three best generations: The Companions, their followers and the followers of their followers.

The Prophet (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) said to his daughter: I am a blessed salaf for you.

All the people of the sunnah agree that all the Companions are the most trustworthy of the people and none disagree with this except the groups of innovation. The Companions are cleared (free) from any innovations. Allāh himself mentioned that the Companions are the most trustworthy. Showing that we do not need anyone to tell us that they are not trustworthy when our Lord has mentioned that they are.

Allāh says (what can be translated as):

You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muḥammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin al-Maʿrūf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islām has ordained) and forbid al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islām has forbidden), and you believe in Allāh.
[Sūrah ʿĀlī ʿImrān, 3:110]

and He, the most High, says (what can be translated as):

Thus We have made you [true Muslims – real believers of Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muḥammad (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation.
[Sūrah al-Baqarah, 2:143]

Published: June 21, 2015
Edited: May 26, 2022