What do we say to some who people claim that the Methodology of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah is not suitable in these times?

The one who holds that the Methodology of the Salaf as-Saalih (pious predecessors) is not fit for these times, then this one is astray, guiding others astray. The methodology of the pious predecessors is the Methodology and Way which we were commanded to follow by Allah until the establishment of the Hour.

The prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah upon him) said,

Indeed whosoever from among you lives (a long time) will see much differing, so (when you see this) it is upon to you adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs after me, hold on to it and bite onto it with your molar teeth. (1)

This was an address to this nation (and it remains valid) until the establishment of the Hour. This demonstrates to us that it’s a must to proceed upon the Methodology of the Salaf and that it is suitable for all places and all times.

Allah – The Most High – said, 

وَالسَّابِقُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُم بِإِحْسَانٍ رَّضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ (100)

And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajiroon (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansaar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajiroon) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him (At-Tawbah: 100)

وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُم بِإِحْسَان

and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith).

This comprises the Ummah until the establishment of the Hour, therefore it is obligatory upon the Ummah to follow the Methodology of Muhajiroon and Ansaar. 

Imam Malik (rahimahullah) said, 

“Nothing will rectify the latter part of this nation, except that which rectified it’s beginning.”

Whoever wants to separate the Ummah from the Pious Predecessors (in reality) he desires evil for the Muslims. He desires to change Islam, he desires the occurrence of innovations and violations (of the sound religion and methodology), this person should be rejected and his “proofs” should be refuted and his evil warned against. 

It is a must to adhere to the methodology of the Salaf, taking them as an example, it’s required to proceed upon their methodology and that (requirement) is present in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (Allah’s Peace and Blessings upon him) as we have mentioned.

So whoever desires to cut the khalaf (successors) of the Ummah from their Salaf (predecessors) then he is a person causing corruption in the lands, it is an obligation to reject his statement and to refute his speech, and to warn from him. 

The ones who this evil statement is known from are the Shia and those who agree with them, those who misguide others, so no attention is paid to them.

Al-Muntaqa min Fataawa Al-Fawzan vol.1 pgs. 499-500