" . . . Call upon Him, with Fear and Hope. [Surah A'raaf 7:56], and He says: "Their limbs do forsake their beds the while they call upon their Lord out of Fear and Hope and they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which We have bestowed upon them." [Surah as-Sajdah 32:16] and He says: "Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah: as equal (with Allah). They love them as they should love Allah. But the Believers are overflowing in their love for Allah." [Surah al-Baqarah 2:165]. The Salaf used to say: "Whoever worships Allah with Love only is indeed a Zindeeq (Heretic) and whoever worships Him with Hope only is indeed a Murji (one who believes that sins impart no harm as long there is Faith) and he who worships Him with Fear only is indeed a Haruri (one of those who deserted from the army of 'Ali and fought against him). But he who worships Him with Love, Fear and Hope is indeed a believing Muwahhid (i.e. one clinging to the Tawheed of Allah.)"

The word Salafi is an abridgement of that long definition. Furthermore, Salafiyyah is not the blind following of any particular Shaikh or Imaam. It is only adherence to the Qur'an and Sunnah as understood by the Pious Forefathers (i.e. As-Salaf as-Saalih) of the Islamic Community of Believers (Ummah).

Therefore, upon comprehending this, a Muslim has no option but to become a Salafi; since in doing so he attaches to that group which has been guaranteed success, victory, salvation and safety from the Fire by the Prophet, peace be upon him, Sahih (Authentic) hadiths, and he dissociates himself from that which has deviated and separated from the Firqatun- Naajiyah (the Saved Sect.).

What are the Knowledge-Based Fundamentals of the Salafi Da'wah?

The belief that Allah exists and is the Creator of all things, and all other aspects of Tawheed.

Rather this fundamental encompasses much more. It means:

• Belief in Allah's Names and Attributes mentioned in the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah, in accordance to their literal Arabic meanings without denial of these attributes or likening them to the attributes of His Creation. This principle is known as Tawheed-ul-Asmaa' was-Sifaat (Unity of Names and Attributes). Allah says in the Qur'an: "Say, (O Muhammed): He is Allah the One, Allah the Self-Sufficient Master (whom all creatures need). He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is nothing comparable to Him." [Surah al-Ikhlaas 112]. And Allah also says: "There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer." [Surah ash-Shoora 42:11]
• To single out Allah in all acts of worship. This principle is known as Tawheed-ul-Ibaadah (Unity of Worship). Allah says in the Qur'an: "And the Mosques are for Allah (alone) so do not invoke anyone along with Allah." [Surah al-Jinn 72:18]. And He says: "Whoever has hopes in the meeting with his Lord, let him work righteous actions and in the worship of his Lord admit no one as partner." [Surah al-Kahf 18:110]
• To single out Allah in His Ruboobiyyah (Lordship). This principle is known as Tawheed-uRuboobiyyah (Unity of Lordship)

The Salafi Minhaaj (i.e. methodology of beliefs) maintains that these three aforementioned principles of Tawheed are inseparable from one another because they are the pillars of the meaning of the testimony: "Laa ilaaha illallaah" (There is nothing which has the right to be worshipped except Allah). Under these principles lie many issues which the scholars among the Salaf have expounded upon in their books throughout the centuries. The Salafi constantly directs his attention to learn and apply these issues so that he may actualize and perfect his Tawheed.

Ittiba'a (Following)