Salafi Ideologies – a brief reminder to Ohad Merlin

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah, The Exalted, said:

إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى ٱلْأَنفُسُ
They follow but presumption and what their souls desire. [1]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” [2]

In an article published at Jerusalem Post on January 18, 2024, and updated the following day, the writer named a particular individual, noting that this person “also faces attacks from anti-Islamist [refer to footnote a] actors who reject Salafi ideologies and based their disdain on his roles in several al-Qaeda offshoots”. [end of quote]

It is essential to examine the definition of the term ideology. Ideology, is a form of social or political philosophy in which practical elements are as prominent as theoretical ones- a system of ideas that aspires both to explain the world and to change it; or a set of opinions or beliefs of a group or an individual. Very often ideology refers to a set of political beliefs or a set of ideas that characterize a particular culture. Capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism are ideologies.

First, the ideas of philosophy, theory, opinions, capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism originate from the inherently flawed nature of human thought. Consequently, they are inherently debatable, with their inconsistencies and shortcomings clearly visible to everyone acquainted with them.

Second, as for “belief”, it may be either fabricated or innovated by individuals who stray from the teachings of the Prophets, or they may be rooted in the pure, infallible final revelation – the Qur’an and the Sunnah, as comprehended and practiced by the Prophet’s companions. Thus, when the word “belief” is mentioned without clarifying its foundation, it becomes ambiguous. Therefore, it’s essential to scrutinise the language and terminology used by ideologues, demagogues, journalists, or provocateurs when they seek to impose their flawed interpretations or judgments on Salafiyyah. Salafiyyah can never be categorised as an ideology or a set of ideas, as these can be contested, debated, or labeled as right or wrong. Instead, Salafiyyah represents the path of revelation—the Qur’an and Sunnah as understood and practiced by the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Those who assert that ideology encompasses belief and then assess Salafiyyah by the same criteria as other beliefs either lack understanding of Salafiyyah or deliberately use ambiguous language to sow confusion. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The basis of Banee Adam’s misguidance is as a result of general terms and ambiguous meanings, especially if they come in contact with a confused mind, so how about when desires and misguided enthusiasm is added to that? Therefore, ask the One Who keeps the hearts steadfast [i.e. Allah] to keep your heart firm upon His Religion and not allow you to fall into this darkness. [3]

One of the core principles in Islam is the understanding that words or terms fall into two categories: those found in the Qur’an and Sunnah, which every believer is required to affirm, and those that are negated by Allah and His Messenger. The terms affirmed by Allah represent the truth, while those He has negated are also rejected as false, since Allah speaks only the truth and guides us along the right path. The terminology of Shariah is sacred, and it is essential for one to seek the accurate meanings intended by the Messenger to affirm what he affirmed and reject what he negated. It is our duty to believe in and testify to everything he has conveyed and to follow his commands. Regarding terms that do not appear in the Qur’an or Sunnah, and where the early scholars have not reached a consensus on their affirmation or negation, individuals are not obligated to side with those who affirm or deny them until their intended meanings are clarified. If the intended meaning aligns with the revelations and commands of the Messenger, it is accepted; if it contradicts his teachings, it is dismissed. [4]

Salafi ideology, or rather the notion of multiple Salafi ideologies, does not exist. What truly exists is Salafiyyah, a path rooted in the infallible teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, as interpreted and practiced by the Prophet’s companions. Any deviation from this path—whether in belief, worship, or methodology—cannot be considered part of Salafiyyah, regardless of the claims made by various groups, individuals, or the author of the article in question. While innovations in religion are linked to ideologies, opinions and ideas of men, Salafiyyah is anchored in divine revelation as understood by the Prophet’s companions. Therefore, it is essential for the author to seek knowledge before making statements.

The sincere seeker of truth must refer to the following links:
Salafis.Com | The Salafi Call and Methodology
http://www.salafis.com/index.cfm

What is Salafism? Read about the most important aspects of Salafiyyah
https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-salafism-and-salafiyyah/

https://abukhadeejah.com/a-response-to-western-academics-who-categorise-salafis-into-quietists-politicos-and-jihadists-and-why-this-is-a-false-categorisation/

The Ideological Origins of Al-Qaeda & ISIS – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah and Shaikh by Abu Iyaad
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-evils-of-modern-day-terrorism-and-its-roots-al-qaeda-isis-the-nusra-front-etc/

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Footnote a: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/12/07/political-islam-and-islamists-the-manipulation-of-terminology-by-ideologues/

[1] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/53/23
[2] https://www.nawawis40hadith.com/nw/hadith/11/leaving-doubt
[3] An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ 3/927
[4] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17