Salafi

The statement “I am a Sunni and I am not a Salafi” is a contradiction, according to Shaykh Salih as-Suhaymee. He explains that the terms “Sunni” and “Salafi” are intrinsically linked, as both refer to those who follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his Companions, i.e., the “Salaf.” The Salaf are the earliest generations of Muslims, and their way (Manhaj) is the foundation of the true Sunni path.

The Shaykh argues that distinguishing between “Sunni” and “Salafi” is misguided because they both describe adherence to the same principles—following the Sunnah and the methodology of the Salaf. To claim to be Sunni but reject Salafiyyah is to misunderstand the core identity of Ahl al-Sunnah, who are by definition adherents to the Salafi methodology. He emphasizes that true Sunnis should embrace and ascribe to the Salafi way, which represents the authentic practice of Islam as exemplified by the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions.

The Shaykh concludes by urging Muslims to adopt the Salafi methodology sincerely, in both belief and practice, and to avoid any division between being Sunni and Salafi.

The Salaf Methodology: A Guide to Its Principles and Significance The Methodology of the Salaf and Its Need and Importance

The True Meaning of Salafi: Following the Path of the Salaf Sheikh ’Abdulḥamīd Az-Zu’kari ḥafidhahullāh writes in his book, ‘Mukhtaṣar