Salafists: What Does It All Mean?

Salafists: who are they?
Religious grouping harping back to the forbearers (ie. Salaf)-venerated companions of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Founder: Mohammed ibn Abdul Wahhab-an 18th century revivalist who thought that Muslims had drifted away from the true Islam as practised during the golden age of the prophet. Rejects intercessory prayer of saints and worshipful commemorations of the dead.

Aim: A worldwide Salafist movement spreading spontaneously across Africa, Arabia and Asia. Largely nationalist in purpose.
Where you’ll Find Them: Khartoum (safe haven), Brixton, worldwide.

Dos: refuse to trim beard. Ban holidays. ‘Kill, rape, plunder’ those who reject injunctions.

Don’ts: recognise any reforms or Islamic traditions after time of prophet.

Notorious members: Al Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden –thought to have become Salafist as a young Arab.
Ayman al Zawahiri – followed Salafist preaching’s of Ibn Tamiyyah-13th century reformer who tried to impose literal interpretation of the holy Quran.

Muslim Council Of Great Britain
See:http://www.mcb.org.uk/