Q: Can Mufti saheb please explain regarding what a salafi and wahhabi is... How it began... What are the reasons why should we follow a mazhab... How to protect ourselves from falling into it's trap... How should we treat people who follow it...
Can mufti saheb also tell me of any authentic kitaab to read to educate myself regarding salafism and wahhabism
A: In this day, a salafi is a person who does not follow any of the imaams. Wahhabi is the one who follows Muhammad bin Abdil Wahhab.
We are commanded to follow the path of the person who turns to Allah Ta`ala - وَٱتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ مَنْ أَنَابَ إِلَىَّ. Thereafter, we studied the paths of the muneebeen and some people found the sabeel to be greatest in Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) and it was most comprehensive. Others felt that the sabeel of Imaam Shafi`ee (rahimahullah) was most comprehensive.
The right way is to refer to an experienced shaikh and aalim who has got a sound track record. Commit yourself to him.
Don't engage in any discussions with this type of people and don't read their articles. Articles and discussions are supposed to be for those who have a good amount of knowledge and a sound understanding. And those who do not have these two, it results in them getting confused or beginning to have doubts and suspicions.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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