Salafism

Salafism. It is a reform movement within Sunni Islam that advocates a return to the practices of the first three generations of Muslims, known as the Salaf. The movement emphasizes a literal interpretation of the Quran and the Hadith, rejecting later theological and legal innovations. Its modern revival is often traced to the 18th-century teachings of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the Arabian Peninsula and the broader intellectual responses to colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Definition and origins

The term derives from the Arabic word for predecessors, referring specifically to the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, their successors, and the successors of those successors. This idealization of the early Islamic community in Medina and Mecca is central to its identity. The theological foundations are deeply rooted in the works of medieval scholars like Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Ibn Taymiyyah, who championed a strict, text-based approach to Islamic law and creed. While the concept of emulating the Salaf is ancient, the modern movement crystallized as a distinct force through the alliance between Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and the House of Saud, leading to the establishment of the First Saudi State.

Core beliefs and principles

Central to its doctrine is the absolute oneness of God, a concept often emphasized with great rigor to combat practices deemed idolatrous, such as the veneration of saints or visiting tombs. It insists on the exclusive use of the Quran and the authenticated Hadith as primary sources of law, rejecting the authority of the four traditional Sunni schools of jurisprudence as final. This leads to a principle known as "al-wala' wa-l-bara'" (loyalty and disavowal), which governs social and political relationships. The movement is also characterized by its opposition to speculative theology, as seen in Ash'arism, and philosophical interpretations of Islamic texts, favoring a literalist hermeneutic.

Historical development and spread

The modern revival began with the Wahhabi movement in the 18th century, which conquered Mecca and Medina before being subdued by the Ottoman Empire's Muhammad Ali of Egypt. The movement resurged with the Second Saudi State and ultimately triumphed with the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Throughout the 20th century, institutions like the Islamic University of Medina and the Muslim World League became key vehicles for disseminating its teachings globally. The Soviet-Afghan War of the 1980s served as a significant catalyst, attracting volunteers from the Arab world and elsewhere, who later formed networks that spread its ideologies across regions like South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Major branches and movements

The movement is not monolithic and encompasses several distinct trends. The quietist or "purist" strand, dominant in Saudi Arabia, focuses on non-political religious education and personal purification, often enjoying state patronage. The activist or "politico" strand, influenced by thinkers like Sayyid Qutb of the Muslim Brotherhood, engages in political criticism and organized da'wa (proselytization). The most militant strand, often termed Jihadism, advocates violent revolution to establish Islamic governance, with groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State representing this extreme. Other significant movements include the Ahl al-Hadith in South Asia and the Madkhali current, which is staunchly loyal to specific governments.

Influence and contemporary issues

Its influence is profound, shaping religious education, legal systems, and social norms, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council states. The movement has been a major force in global Islamic philanthropy and mosque construction, from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Philippines. Contemporary debates often center on its relationship with political authority, with quietists supporting regimes like that of King Salman while others oppose them. The rise of the Islamic State and its declaration of a caliphate in Mosul and Raqqa sparked intense internal theological debates about legitimacy and violence. Furthermore, governments worldwide, from France to Egypt, grapple with its social and political manifestations, often implementing counter-extremism policies targeting its more radical expressions. Category:Salafism Category:Islamic branches Category:Islamic fundamentalism Category:Sunni Islam