Salafiyya
Salafists (or Salafiyya) are followers of an ultra-conservative branch of Islam who advocate a literal, "original" form of religion—as they believe it was practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions.
🕌 Origin of the term
The term "Salaf" (Arabic: السلف) means "the ancestors," or more precisely, the pious forefathers—that is,
the Prophet Muhammad,
his companions (Sahaba),
and the two subsequent generations.
These three generations are considered ideal models for the Islamic way of life in the Salafist worldview.
🧠 Basic ideas of Salafism
The Quran and Sunnah are considered the sole authority—not philosophical or cultural "corruption."
Rejection of innovation (bid'a): Anything introduced after the first generations is often considered undesirable or forbidden.
Desire for religious "purity" – return to an "authentic" Islam.
⚖️ Three main currents in Salafism
Current Characteristics
Quietist: Withdrawal from politics, focus on personal piety, proselytizing (da'wa)
Political: Political engagement, Islamic law as a form of government
Jihadist: Violence legitimized to fight "infidel" systems (e.g., ISIS, al-Qaeda)
Most Salafists worldwide belong to the quietist current – they reject violence but are nevertheless strictly ideological.
🌍 Salafism today
In countries like Saudi Arabia, there is a strong affinity with Salafism, particularly through the Wahhabi state doctrine.
In Europe (e.g., Germany, France), Salafist groups are under surveillance by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, especially when they become radicalized or recruit young people for jihadism.
