The Theoretical Challenges of Salafism for the Islamic World

The main objective of this research is to explore and critically analyze the intellectual and theological foundations of the Salafist movement, which has had a significant impact on the Islamic world, particularly in the Middle East, over the past one hundred and fifty years. This study aims to identify the fundamental principles of Salafi thought, its unique methodology in engaging with and interpreting sacred texts (the Quran and Sunnah), and
to highlight the theoretical challenges posed by this movement to the broader Islamic
world and other Islamic interpretations. Given the role of Salafism in shaping negative phenomena such as Islamophobia and internal conflicts, a precise understanding of its intellectual roots and challenging points is essential for a conscious engagement with this movement. This research seeks to answer the following questions: On which principles are the intellectual and theological foundations of Salafism based? What is the Salafi approach and methodology in understanding and interpreting religious texts, and how does it differ from other Islamic intellectual movements (such as religious revivalism and religious intellectualism)? What are the main weaknesses and theoretical challenges of Salafi thought that could pose problems for the Islamic world? The core issue is a deeper understanding of the intellectual mechanisms of a movement that, despite its apparent diversity in tactics (ranging from missionary to jihadist), is nourished by a single theoretical origin. By presenting a specific interpretation of Islam, it consistently has the potential to influence the social and political spheres of Muslim communities, making an understanding of it crucial for analyzing current trends in the Islamic world. This research employs qualitative content analysis to examine the primary and key texts produced by theorists and followers of the Salafi movement. The data collection method is based on library and documentary studies. The aim is to identify the common intellectual foundations of various Salafi groups by referencing primary sources and analyzing the dominant discourse within these texts. Additionally, a comparative method is used to distinguish the Salafi approach from two other major currents of contemporary Islamism: religious revivalism and religious intellectualism. This approach allows for a more precise identification of the unique characteristics and points of divergence within Salafism. Analyses show that Salafis regard the first three centuries of Islam as the golden age and the standard of correct belief and practice. They view the way out of decline as a return, unconditionally, to the lifestyle and religious understanding of that era. This movement emphasizes a literal and direct understanding of the Quran and Sunnah, without the need for specialized interpretative methods (jurisprudential, theological, philosophical, or mystical). Any form of exegesis, rational interpretation, or attention to the objectives of Sharia is considered an innovation and deviation. A basic knowledge of the Arabic language is deemed sufficient for understanding the religion (ittibāʿ al-naṣṣ, literally: following the scripture). Salafis, by bypassing the framework of the Four Sunni Schools and the traditional system of ijtihad and following the mujtahid (taqlīd), believe that every Muslim can and must directly refer to the texts. Although the return to tradition is a shared concern among many Islamic movements, Salafis interpret it as a return to the understanding and practice of the Righteous Predecessors (Salaf Ṣāliḥ), rejecting any rational or historical revisions. Salafis view modernity and the manifestations of Western civilization as innovations and modern ignorance (jāhiliyya), because they lack precedent in the era of the Salaf and are contrary to the apparent understanding of the texts. Consequently, their approach to these phenomena is generally rejection and confrontation (and, in the jihadist form, struggle). The ultimate political goal of Salafis is the revival of the historical caliphate system with all its traditional functions. They consider modern nation-states to be illegitimate and believe that the only way for Muslims to regain dignity is through the re-establishment of the caliphate, based on their understanding of Sharia. This research concludes that Salafi thought, despite its claim of a return to authentic Islam, poses serious theoretical challenges for the Islamic world. These include the appropriation and distortion of fundamental Islamic concepts, intolerance towards pluralism and the promotion of violence, opposition to rationality and human achievements, the weakening of Islamic unity, the strengthening of Islamophobia, and the marginalization of more compassionate and rational interpretations of Islam.