Defining Salafism

Abstract

Salafism is a diverse and dynamic current within Islam that promotes itself as the purest, most authentic form of Islam, marked by an emulation of the prophet Muhammad’s contemporary companions, their followers, and the next two generations. Despite its pretentions to literalism and universalism, Salafism as a lived reality often incorporates local social contexts and customs. Scholars of Salafism have roughly divided the movement into quietists, who eschew politics in favor of scholarship and proselytization;, politicos, who engage in politics through various mediums; and violent jihadists. Yet as this volume shows, these divisions are increasingly blurred and do not account for Salafism’s increasing dynamism on matters of creed and practice. The growth of Salafism is due to a multitude of socioeconomic and political factors, to include a strong moral critique of the existing order and a certitude of virtue that is comforting in times of upheaval.