Salaf and Salafi

Salaf means something which has already occurred. Grandparents or ancestors are called Salaf because they have lived in the distant past. 

Ancestors may be biological or ideological. Our ancestors or ideological Salaf are the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) and the Taabi’in as Deen has been conveyed to us from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) through them. So, when it comes to Deen, when we say Salaf, it applies to the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) and Taabi’in. Salafi are those who follow the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) and the Taabi’in in terms of Deen.

Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) was a Taabi'i. Therefore, by following Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi 'alayh), one becomes a Salafi. 

Some people call themselves Salafi because they claim not to follow any Imaam. They claim to follow the Qur’an-e-Kareem and the Hadith directly. This is a false pretension as they follow an Imaam in actual fact but only Allah Ta’ala knows why they are ashamed to admit that they follow an Imaam.

Following an Imaam is not a shame. It is a way of applying Divine law. Can applying Divine law be shameful? Never! This is because according to the Qur’an-e-Kareem, when one does not know, one must follow those who know. (V7:S21)

Is not it us who said that there is no ‘Aalim in Mauritius? When there is no ‘Aalim, then should one remain ignorant? According to the Qur’an-e-Kareem, when you do not know, you should ask those who have knowledge and this is called Taqleed.

When we give a person information regarding Deen, we want him to accept it and practice it on our trust. Although this person does not have the ability to distinguish the proofs, we authorise him to follow us even if he does not understand. However we prohibit this person from following Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) or Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh). Following an Imaam of the likes of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi 'alayh), Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) or Imaam Shafi’i (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) is not permissible, but following candles that are about to extinguish is obligatory! O Allah! Protect all of us from such logic!

[English version of "Salaf et Salafi" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.4]

Salaf means something which has already occurred. Grandparents or ancestors are called Salaf because they have lived in the distant past. 

Ancestors may be biological or ideological. Our ancestors or ideological Salaf are the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) and the Taabi’in as Deen has been conveyed to us from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) through them. So, when it comes to Deen, when we say Salaf, it applies to the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) and Taabi’in. Salafi are those who follow the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) and the Taabi’in in terms of Deen.

Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) was a Taabi'i. Therefore, by following Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi 'alayh), one becomes a Salafi. 

Some people call themselves Salafi because they claim not to follow any Imaam. They claim to follow the Qur’an-e-Kareem and the Hadith directly. This is a false pretension as they follow an Imaam in actual fact but only Allah Ta’ala knows why they are ashamed to admit that they follow an Imaam.

Following an Imaam is not a shame. It is a way of applying Divine law. Can applying Divine law be shameful? Never! This is because according to the Qur’an-e-Kareem, when one does not know, one must follow those who know. (V7:S21)

Is not it us who said that there is no ‘Aalim in Mauritius? When there is no ‘Aalim, then should one remain ignorant? According to the Qur’an-e-Kareem, when you do not know, you should ask those who have knowledge and this is called Taqleed.

When we give a person information regarding Deen, we want him to accept it and practice it on our trust. Although this person does not have the ability to distinguish the proofs, we authorise him to follow us even if he does not understand. However we prohibit this person from following Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) or Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi 'Alayh). Following an Imaam of the likes of Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi 'alayh), Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) or Imaam Shafi’i (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) is not permissible, but following candles that are about to extinguish is obligatory! O Allah! Protect all of us from such logic!

[English version of "Salaf et Salafi" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.4]