Salaf al-Salih (Pious Predecessors)

Salaf is an Arabic noun which translates to "predecessor", or "forefather". In Islam it refers to the first three generations of Muslims, the so-called "Pious Predecessors".

According to Muhammad, the Sahabah ("Companions"), Tabi'un ("Followers"), and Tabi' al-Tabi'un ("Those after the Followers") are among the best generation of Muslims on Earth, and are therefore seen by the vast majority of today's Muslims as a model for how Islam should be practiced.

Salafis (or "Wahhabis") are not a part of a deviant or innovative Islamic sect, but strict orthodox followers of the Qur'an and Sunnah.