7- What is meant by the Salaf us-Salih?
In the Arabic language, it means the righteous people who have passed away. Every earlier person is called Salaf in relation to the one who comes later, but when Salaf is mentioned absolutely, it refers to the people of the best three eras whose testimony was given by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Therefore, Salaf refers to the Companions, the Followers (Tabi‘un), and the Followers of the Followers (Taba‘ Tabi‘in). These are the Salaf al-Salih (righteous predecessors). Those who come after them and adopt their methodology are called Salafi. Although their time is later, a Salafi is one who adopts the way and methodology of the Salaf al-Salih, as the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
« إِنَّ أُمَّتِيْ سَتَفْتَرِقُ عَلٰى ثَلَاثٍ وَّسَبْعِيْنَ فِرْقَةً، كُلُّهَا فِيْ النَّارِ إِلَّا وَاحِدَةً، وَّهِيَ الْجَمَاعَةُ »
“My Ummah will be divided into seventy-three sects, all of whom will be in the Hellfire except one group. And that is the Jama’ah (the main body).”
In one hadith, these words are mentioned:
« مَنْ كَانَ عَلٰى مِثْلِ مَا أَنَا عَلَيْهِ وَأَصْحَابِيْ »
“Those who follow my way and the way of my Companions.”
Because of this hadith, the specific meaning of Salaf will be determined; therefore, only those who follow the methodology and way of the Companions, the Followers, and the Followers of the Followers will be called Salafi, even if they belong to the fourteenth century Hijri.
