Who are the Salaf?
The first three generations: the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ (Ṣaḥābah), those who met them (Tābiʿūn), and those who met them (Atbāʿ at-Tābiʿūn). The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The best of mankind is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.' (Bukhari)
Why follow them?
They learned Islam directly from the Prophet ﷺ or from those who did. Their understanding is the standard. Any later interpretation that contradicts theirs is wrong, no matter how popular.
Today's Action
Read the Manhaj and Salaf glossary entries — and the foundational books linked below.
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