Explain the distinctive positions of modern Salafis.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] (a) The modern Salafi movement traces its origins to the practices of the pious predecessors (Salaf), who were the companions of Muhammad (pbuh) and their successors. They focus on their practices because they believe they knew what Muhammad (pbuh) did and reliably took decisions by consensus (ijma ') about what Muhammad's Sunnah was.
2. [1] (a) Salafi's were inspired by Ibn Taymiyyah, who said that innovations (bid ah) had crept into Islam with the visiting of tombs and following of saints or holy people, who were called friends of God (awliya). Salafis do not follow these practices.
3. [2] (a) Salafism is not a traditional school of thought (madhhab). Some Salafis follow Sunni schools. Others reject following rulings from the schools (taqlid) and make individual interpretations (ijtihad) directly from the Qur'an and Sunnah.
4. [2] (a) Salafis oppose speculation: talking about what a ruling might be, on the basis of discussion, consensus, analogy and so on. They focus on literal interpretation and not looking for metaphors or inner meanings. They focus on statements about beliefs (aqidah), which should be followed, rather than discussion about making rulings.
5. [1] (a) There are some distinct practices, such as standing closely together, with feet and shoulders touching for men in lines of prayer, based on literal interpretations of the Sunnah as practiced by the companions (sahaba) in Salafi belief.
6. [1] (a) There are many different branches of Salafism, including Wahhabism from Saudi Arabia and the Ahl-al-Hadith movement which grew up in South Asia. Accept answers which focus on any particular branch of Salafism.
7. [1] (a) There are different opinions about politics. Some do not get involved; others believe it is their duty to establish Islam politically through social and religious policies in government, because they believe the Salaf were concerned with all areas of life and should be followed as closely as possible in the modern world. The Egyptian brotherhood, Sayyid Qutb and some modern political movements claim inspiration from this.
8. [2] (b) Definitions: Modern Salafi positions may be defined loosely including many different groups and individuals wholly part of Sunni Islam. It may be defined as distinct to the point where it is considered as a distinct movement separate from Sunni beliefs. Different Muslims take different positions, often focusing on one or another branches of Salafism or aspects of Salafi beliefs.
9. [2] (b) Many Salafi scholars, or scholars who influenced Salafism, may be considered Sunnis. Ibn Taymiyyah came from a Sunni-Hanbali background. Hanbali jurisprudence (fiqh) is similar in many ways: the extent to which rulings should be closely based on Qur'an and Sunnah and the desire to avoid making analogy as a source of authority where possible.
10. [2] (b) In terms of approach to beliefs, there is considerable diversity amongst Sunnis. The scholarship of al-Ash ari is not the only Sunni position. Many Salafis follow an Athari literalist position, avoiding speculation, but so do some Sunnis.
11. [2] (b) It is common for Muslims of different groups to join together in prayers, even if there are small differences in practice, these are not considered significant enough to cause a division and so suggest that Salafism is not only compatible with but is realistically a part of Sunni Islam.
12. [2] (b) Some Salafis do not follow the rulings of the four Sunni Imams and their schools. They say they make rulings which are sometimes followed (taqlid) but these rulings are not always based on the practices of the companions and those who knew the Prophet (pbuh) best (Salaf).
13. [2] (b) For unclear issues, many Salafis therefore make individual interpretations (ijtihad) where the Qur'an, Sunnah and Salaf do not provide clear guidance, whereas Sunnis would follow their law school and Imam. Salafis accept there will be a diversity of interpretation in such circumstances.
14. [2] (b) Sufism and Shi'i Islam, accepted according to Sunni scholars, are considered innovations and outside Salafi belief, so Salafis might not consider joining with any of those practices.
15. [1] (b) Conclusions: Candidates should draw together their arguments to come to a balanced conclusion and make a personal judgement on the issues.