Definition

Noun: 1. A puritanical and fundamentalist Islamic movement: Salafism is a revivalist movement within Sunni Islam that advocates a return to the practices of the earliest generations of Muslims (the Salaf, or "pious predecessors"), whom it considers the only correct interpreters of the Quran and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad). 2. A specific militant interpretation: In some contexts, particularly political and security discourse, "Salafism" can refer specifically to militant or jihadist groups that adopt this puritanical ideology, often viewing Muslims who do not share their strict interpretation as infidels and seeking to establish their version of Islam globally.

Usage Examples

• General/Movement:
  • The scholar studied the theological differences between Salafism and other Islamic schools of thought.
  • His interpretation of the texts is heavily influenced by Salafism.
• Militant Context:
  • The report analyzed the global threat posed by violent Salafism.
  • The group's ideology is rooted in an extremist form of Salafism.

Advanced Usage

• "Salafi-jihadism": A modern term used to describe the ideology that combines the puritanical theology of Salafism with a militant, revolutionary political agenda focused on armed jihad. This is the ideology associated with groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS).
  • Analysts distinguish between quietist Salafism and the more dangerous ideology of Salafi-jihadism.

Variants and Related Words

• Salafi (noun/adjective): A follower of Salafism; relating to Salafism.
  • He is a Salafi preacher. (adjective)
  • The Salafis advocate for a literal reading of the primary texts. (noun)
• Salafiyya: An alternate transliteration of the Arabic term for Salafism.

Synonyms

• Wahhabism: A very similar, often overlapping, conservative Islamic movement originating in Saudi Arabia. While all Wahhabis are Salafis in creed, not all Salafis are Wahhabis, as Salafism is a broader movement.
• Islamic fundamentalism: A broader term for movements seeking a return to foundational Islamic principles, which can include Salafism.

Important Notes on Meaning

It is crucial to understand that the term "Salafism" has two primary, context-dependent meanings: 1. As a theological and social movement: This encompasses a wide spectrum, including apolitical, quietist scholars and communities who focus on personal piety, education, and purification of religious practice, often rejecting political involvement. 2. As a political and militant ideology: This refers to the subset that uses the theological framework to justify political revolution and violence against those it deems apostates or infidels, including other Muslims and non-Muslims. The provided reference context emphasizes this second, more narrow and militant interpretation.

Noun

1. a militant group of extremist Sunnis who believe themselves the only correct interpreters of the Koran and consider moderate Muslims to be infidels; seek to convert all Muslims and to insure that its own fundamentalist version of Islam will dominate the world