The True Meaning of Salafi: Following the Path of the Salaf
Sheikh ’Abdulḥamīd Az-Zu’kari ḥafidhahullāh writes in his book, ‘Mukhtaṣar Uṣūl Ahlis-Sunnah’ (P. 11):
“When we say ‘Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah,’ what is meant is not only students of knowledge and preachers; Rather, this term encompasses everyone who follows their path (i.e. The path of the Salaf) from the common Muslims, their merchants, the people of authority, and others who are not polluted with innovation.
And how often we used to hear our Sheikh Muqbil rahimahullah saying: “[The term] ‘Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah’ includes the scholar, the engineer, the leader, the doctor, and the soldier. Everyone who follows their path, loves it, believes in it, adheres to it, is one of them; no matter his status; [wherever he may reside] on a mountain or on a plain, on sea, or on land” [end of quote – slightly paraphrased]
The point of this benefit is to reiterate the fact that the Aṣl of a Muslim is not Salafiyyah:
A person must follow and adhere to the principles of the Salaf before he/she is considered a Salafi!