History of Ahle Hadees

Salafi Da’wah (da’wah literally means “call”, and in this sense it refers to calling to the truth, preaching and propagation) is that of the Qur’an and the Sunnah (i.e. the Religion of Islam – pure and free from any and all additions, deletions and alterations).

It means adherence to the Path of the Messenger, may the peace of Allah upon him, and the Faithful Believers, namely the Pious Forefathers (i.e. As-Salaf as-Saalih) of the Islamic Community of Believers and all those who follow in their footsteps in belief, actions and morals.

Allah has said: And whoever contends with and contradicts the Messenger after guidance has been clearly conveyed to him and chooses a path other than that of the Faithful Believers, We shall leave him in the Path he has chosen and land him in Hell, what an evil refuge!
[Surah al-Nisaa’ 4:115]

Who are the Salaf and who are the Salafis?

The Pious Forefathers (i.e. As-Salaf as-Saalih) of the Islamic Community of Believers are the Companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him, their Followers (the Taabi’een and the Taabi Taabi’een (i.e. the first three generations of Muslims) and the Scholars of the Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah after them who followed their way in belief and deed. Among them are :

  • Imam Abu Hanifah (150 AH),
  • Al-Awzai (157 AH),
  • Ath-Thawri (161AH),
  • Al Laith ibn Saad (175 AH),
  • Imam Malik (179 AH),
  • Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak (181 AH),
  • Sufyan ibn Uyainah (198 AH),
  • Imam Ash-Shafi’i (204 AH),
  • Ishaq (238 AH),
  • Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal (241 AH),
  • Al-Bukhari (256 AH),
  • Muslim (261 AH),
  • Abu Dawood (275 AH) and others.

This Ummah will divide into seventy-three sects all of which except one will go to Hell and they (i.e. the Saved Sect) are those who are upon what I and My Companions are upon (i.e. those who follow My Way and the Way of my Companions.)” [Reported by at-Tirmidhee – Hasan]

The Aims of the Salafi Da’wah

  • The Salafi Da’wah is neither directed towards a specific belief nor a particular action. Likewise the Salafi Da’wah is neither a movement of social reform nor a political party.
  • Rather the Salafi Da’wah is that of Islam in the total sense of the word. As Islam is the religion of Allah, it follows therefore, that it is neither the religion of a specific nation nor of a particular group of people.
  • It is the religion intended for the whole earth and all of mankind.
    The Distinguishing Characteristics of the Salafi Da’wah

Among the distinguishing characteristics of the Salafi Da’wah are:

  • Actualization of Tawheed in the beliefs, statements, and deeds of the Muslims. Allah says: “Worship Allah (alone) and join none with Him in worship.” [Surah al-Nisa’ 4:36].
  • Actualization of the unity of the Muslims through their strict adherence to the Sunnah. Allah says: “And hold fast all of you together to the Rope of Allah (i.e. the Qur’an) and be not divided among yourselves . . . ” [Surah Aali Imraan 3:103].