Ahl al-Hadith: Following the Legacy of the Salaf al-Salihīn

❖ Ahl al-Hadith: The Methodology of Following the Salaf al-Salihīn ❖
Based on the original work of Abu Yahya Amani Puri (Hafizahullah), with enhanced structure for clarity and comprehension.

◈ Core Principle of Ahl al-Hadith​

One of the distinguishing features of Ahl al-Hadith is their adherence to the understanding and methodology of the Salaf al-Salihīn—namely the Sahabah, Tabiʿin, and the Imams of Hadith. They believe that all religious matters must be understood strictly in light of the interpretations of the Salaf, without relying on personal reasoning, intellect, or preferences.

◈ Clarifying a Misconception: Is Following the Salaf "Taqlid"?​

Some mistakenly argue that Ahl al-Hadith contradict themselves by opposing taqlid while following the Salaf. However, the answer is that taqlid, in its technical sense, means blindly following someone without knowing their evidence. Ahl al-Hadith do not follow individuals blindly—rather, they accept the consensus and understanding of the Salaf because it is the most accurate reflection of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Thus, adhering to the Salaf’s understanding is not blind imitation, but a methodologically sound and principled approach to religion.

◈ Importance of Following the Salaf​

Choosing the path of the Salaf is not optional—it is the only legitimate way to understand Islam correctly. This methodology:

✔ Protects the Ummah from fitan (trials) and divisions
✔ Preserves unity upon clear, agreed principles
✔ Prevents deviation caused by subjective interpretations

◈ Statements of the Scholars on the Necessity of Following the Salaf​

• Imam Muhammad ibn Waḍḍāḥ al-Qurṭubī:
  “It is obligatory upon you to follow the well-known Imams of guidance. Many practices common today were rejected by the Salaf.”
  (al-Bidaʿ wa al-Nahy ʿan-hā, p. 89)
• Qāḍī Shurayk ibn ʿAbdullah:
  “We received our religion from the Tabiʿin, who took it from the Companions, who learned it from the Prophet ﷺ.”
  (al-Asmāʾ wa al-Ṣifāt by al-Bayhaqī: 949)

◈ Quranic Evidence for Following the Salaf​

✔ Obedience to Allah, His Messenger, and those in authority (Ulu al-Amr)—interpreted by scholars as the Salaf
(Sūrah al-Nisāʾ: 59)

✔ “If they believe as you have believed, then they are rightly guided.”
(Sūrah al-Baqarah: 137) – A direct reference to the faith of the Sahabah as the criterion for guidance.

✔ “And the first forerunners among the Muhājirīn and the Anṣār and those who follow them with excellence—Allah is pleased with them...”
(Sūrah al-Tawbah: 100)

These verses affirm that only those who follow the example of the Salaf can attain divine pleasure and guidance.

◈ Scholarly Support for the Manhaj of the Salaf​

• Imam Ibn Abī al-ʿIzz al-Ḥanafī:
  “To understand the fundamentals of religion, one must refer to the Book of Allah, the Sunnah, and the understanding of the Salaf al-Salihīn.”
  (Sharḥ al-ʿAqīdah al-Ṭaḥāwiyyah: 195–196)
• Shah Waliullah al-Dihlawi:
  “The saved sect (Firqat al-Nājiyah) are those who adopt the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the way of the Companions and Tabiʿin.”
  (Ḥujjatullāh al-Bālighah, 1/170)

◈ Contrast with Other Schools of Thought​

While Ahl al-Hadith adhere strictly to the methodology of the Salaf, other schools often bind themselves to the personal opinions of their imams, regardless of agreement with the Qur’an or Sunnah. This blind following is not part of the Salafi tradition and is a cause of deviation.

◈ Conclusion​

Ahl al-Hadith stand distinguished for their strict adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah, as understood by the Sahabah, Tabiʿin, and Imams of Hadith.

They do not practice blind taqlid but uphold a principled following of the most reliable and divinely guided generations.

Their manhaj (methodology) is rooted in clarity, unity, and authenticity, making it the true path to guidance in an age of confusion and division.