Salafi

Salafi refers to adherents of Salafism, a reformist and revivalist current within Sunni Islam that seeks to emulate the beliefs and practices of the Salaf—the first three generations of Muslims: the Sahaba (companions of Muhammad), the Tabi’un, and the Tabi al-Tabi’in. Salafis argue that Islam should be understood through the Qur’an and the authentic traditions of the Prophet and his companions, and they oppose taqlid (blind imitation) of later generations. They emphasize tawhid, the oneness of God, and often adopt a textualist approach to creed, sometimes associated with Athari theology.

Modern Salafism developed from 18th- to 20th-century reformist currents that urged a return to early Muslim practice in response to perceived religious decline. It is not a single, unified movement but a spectrum. Some adherents pursue quietist da’wah and scholarship within existing political orders; others participate in political life or civic institutions; a minority advocate or engage in militant struggle, sometimes described as Salafi jihadism. Regional expressions vary, with strong influence in parts of the Arabian Peninsula and a global network of scholars and institutions.

Salafism has been the subject of extensive scholarly and media attention, and it is described differently across contexts. Critics argue that certain strands resist pluralism, reform, or engagement with modern legal and political norms, while supporters say it promotes strict adherence to divine guidance and moral reform. Because of its diversity and geographic variation, the label Salafi covers a range of beliefs and practices rather than a single doctrine. In academic and public discourse, distinctions are often made between quietist, political, and jihadist currents within Salafism.