Question:

Is it true that Salafiyyah is exclusive to the Hanbalis? And what is the reality of Salafiyyah? Is it synonymous with extremism and strictness as some claim?

Answer:

This statement is not correct. Rather, Al-Salaf al-Salih (the Pious Predecessors) are the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) and those who followed their path among the Tabi’un (Successors) and the Atba’ al-Tabi’un (Successors of the Successors). This includes those from the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali, as well as others who walked upon the truth and adhered to the Mighty Book and the Purified Sunnah regarding Monotheism (Tawhid), the Names and Attributes [of Allah], and all matters of religion.

​We ask Allah to make us among them, and to grant success to all Muslims—governments and peoples alike, in every place—to adhere to His Mighty Book and the Sunnah of His Trustworthy Messenger, to take them as a judge, to refer to them for judgment, and to beware of everything that opposes them. Indeed, He is the Guardian of that and the One Capable of it. And Allah is the Granter of success.