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What is Salafism?

Let's Talk Religion・26 minutes read

Salafism is a movement rooted in purifying Islam and aligning practices with the Prophet Muhammad, originating from the pious predecessors of Islam. It rejects established traditions, advocating for a strict interpretation of scripture, leading to exclusivity and opposition to other Islamic groups, with a strong presence in the Islamic world and influence on discourse.

Insights

  • Salafism, originating from the term "as-Salaf as-Saleh," aims to purify Islam by aligning practices with those of Prophet Muhammad and his companions, emphasizing a strict reading of sources and rejecting metaphorical interpretations of God's attributes.
  • Salafism, influenced by Wahhabism, promotes exclusivity, opposing innovations in religion, and criticizing other groups like Sufis and Shiis, aiming to eliminate heresy and innovation, with a strong emphasis on loyalty and disavowal from non-believers.

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Recent questions

  • What is Salafism?

    Salafism is a movement within Islam that aims to purify and align the practices of the religion with those of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions. It seeks to follow the pious predecessors of Islam, known as the Salaf.

  • How does Salafism differ from mainstream Islam?

    Salafism differs from mainstream Islam in its strict adherence to textual sources, rejection of metaphorical interpretations, and emphasis on exclusivity and doctrinal purity. Mainstream Islam incorporates various techniques like rational deduction and consensus, allowing for a broader perspective.

  • What is the relationship between Salafism and Wahhabism?

    Wahhabism, associated with Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab, influenced the emergence of modern Salafism and became the official doctrine of Saudi Arabia. While Salafism and Wahhabism are often used interchangeably, Wahhabism is a specific expression of Salafism.

  • How do Salafis view other Islamic groups?

    Salafis purify Islam by opposing other groups like Sufis and Shiis, criticizing practices they deem as heretical or innovative. They practice "loyalty and disavowal," distancing themselves from non-believers and emphasizing a strong "us vs. them" mentality.

  • What factors contribute to the appeal of Salafism?

    Salafism's appeal lies in its claim to exclusive truth, doctrinal purity, and universalism, offering a clear path to salvation and empowerment. It has spread widely through accessible information, particularly online, attracting young Muslims, migrants, and the marginalized.

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Summary

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Salafism: Purifying Islam through historical practices

  • Salafism is a movement associated with fundamentalism and jihadism in contemporary discussions about Islam.
  • The term "Salafism" originates from "as-Salaf as-Saleh," denoting the pious predecessors of Islam.
  • Salafism seeks to purify Islam and align its practices with those of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions.
  • The emphasis on the Salaf is not unique to Salafism, as most Sunni Muslims also follow the practices of the pious predecessors.
  • Salafism is considered a modern phenomenon but can be traced back to earlier movements like the Hanbali school of law.
  • Ibn Taymiyah, a 14th-century Hanbali jurist, played a significant role in shaping Salafism with his emphasis on purifying Islam.
  • Wahhabism, associated with Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab, sought to purify Islam by condemning practices like saint intercession and visiting graves.
  • Wahhabism influenced the emergence and doctrines of modern Salafism, becoming the official doctrine of Saudi Arabia.
  • Salafism and Wahhabism are often used interchangeably, but Wahhabism is a specific expression of Salafism.
  • Salafism emerged as a significant movement in the 19th and 20th centuries, rejecting established Islamic traditions and advocating for reinterpretation based on the Quran and Sunnah.

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Salafism: Exclusive Truth and Doctrinal Purity

  • Salafis are distinguished not just by following the Salaf, but by their unique methodology in understanding the beliefs and practices of the Salaf, which involves a heavily textual and restrictive approach.
  • Mainstream Islam, in contrast, incorporates various techniques like rational deduction, consensus, and analogy, allowing for a broader perspective on the beliefs and practices of the Salaf.
  • Salafis emphasize a strict reading of sources, particularly regarding God's oneness, rejecting metaphorical interpretations of God's attributes and emphasizing literal scripture.
  • Salafism is marked by exclusivity, with an absolute claim to truth, leading to active opposition to innovations in religion and potential excommunication of those not adhering to true religion.
  • Salafis connect faith and outward actions, considering proper practice essential for true belief, leading to criticism of those not following religious rules or political rulers not upholding Islamic law.
  • Salafis purify Islam by opposing other groups like Sufis and Shiis, criticizing practices like visiting graves of saints or celebrating the Prophet's birthday, aiming to eliminate heresy and innovation.
  • Salafis practice "loyalty and disavowal," distancing themselves from non-believers and emphasizing a strong "us vs. them" mentality, although mainstream Sunni Islam rejects this idea.
  • Salafis are recognizable by distinctive dress, social and religious habits, prayer postures, and speech, rejecting traditional Islamic jurisprudence in favor of direct reliance on scriptures.
  • While Salafism is not homogeneous, it has spread widely through accessible information, particularly online, with a strong presence in the Islamic world and a significant influence on Islamic discourse.
  • Salafism's success lies in its claim to exclusive truth, doctrinal purity, and universalism, appealing to young Muslims, migrants, and the marginalized by offering a sense of empowerment and a clear path to salvation.

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