Salafist – The term should be avoided as vague and often erroneous in favour of more precise and accurate descriptions about the subject. It often refers to an adherent of a reformist movement within Sunni Islam which emerged in 19th century Egypt, and also was later also influenced by another reformist movement which originated in the 18th century in the Najd region of modern Saudi Arabia, referred to erroneously as Wahhabism. It advocated a reformist re-examination, and where necessary, removal or changes of practices within Sunni Islam as based on their perspective of trying to imitate the traditions of the Salaf, the first three generations of Islam. Avoid the use of the term in favour of more specific and precise descriptions of the subject. The term can be deemed as offensive to Muslims as it attributes negative acts to the Salaf. However, when absolutely required, an Arabic term to describe the school would be the Mutasalifyya, the Arabic for those who seek to imitate the Salaf in contemporary society, whilst an individual would be Mutasalafi, but these terms should be limited in use.
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Reuters: A strict Sunni Muslim who attempts to live by the example of Islam’s Prophet Mohammed and his earliest followers. Salafists include peaceful, politically inactive Muslims who focus on living according to religious precepts, political activists who seek the implementation of Sharia law, and militants who advocate violence to establish states they might regard as representing true Islam. Modern Salafist thought originates from the teachings of a 18th century preacher whose doctrine, also widely known as Wahhabism, effectively became the official Muslim school of Saudi Arabia.
