Question:
Some people claim that Salafiyyah is merely one of many groups active on the scene today, and that it carries the same status as any other group. What is your refutation of this claim?
Answer:
We have stated that the Salafi group is the one upon the truth and it is the one whose affiliation is obligatory, and working with it and attributing to it. And whatever is besides it from the groups, it is obligatory that they are not considered from the groups of dawah, because they are opposing. And how do we follow a faction opposing the group of Ahl al-Sunnah and the guidance of the righteous Salaf?
So the saying that the Salafi group is one of the Islamic groups, this is a mistake. For the Salafi group is the original group which must be followed and its methodology walked upon and joined, and jihad made with it. And whatever is besides it, indeed it is not permissible for the Muslim to join it, because it is opposing. And would an individual content themselves with joining those who diverge?
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs after me.” 1
And when he (ﷺ) was asked about the Saved Sect, he replied: “That which I and my Companions are upon today.” 2
Does a person desire salvation yet walk a path other than the one leading to it?
You hope for salvation, yet you do not walk its paths; Indeed, a ship does not sail upon dry land.