Over the past few years, I have been deeply immersed in researching works on Salafism. It all began when a friend of mine shared some lectures and topics that seemed very inviting. The emphasis on the Quran and Sunnah within Salafism fascinated me, and I thought the answers to my quest for Islamic knowledge were finally within reach. However, as I began to explore the way of Salafism, my life started to feel increasingly confusing. Don’t get me wrong—perhaps I hadn’t tried hard enough or fully understood its principles. But certain experiences left me questioning. For instance, some of my Salafi friends insisted that watching TV programs was wrong due to indecent dressing, behaviour, and language. Yet, I noticed the same friends actively engaging on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Their stance was that knowledge could be sought from such avenues. Social media has become an integral part of modern life, but its impact, particularly on children and adolescents, has raised significant concerns. Research and statistics highlight the negative effects of social media on mental health, behaviour, and overall well-being. (Teens, Social Media and Technology 2022). It does more harm than benefits.
Another aspect that troubled me was the way Salafi groups prioritized their own circles. They often provided strong support and communication among themselves, such as visiting one another regularly. However, the Quran emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties with immediate relatives, regardless of their religious practices or character. Many Salafis I encountered neglected this duty, often citing their relatives’ practice of bidah (innovation) as a reason. Yet, the Quran clearly prioritizes maintaining family relationships, which left me conflicted. There were many more such contradictions, but what stood out most was how I began to feel isolated from those around me who followed different madhhabs. Ironically, it wasn’t that they excluded me—it was I who started avoiding them due to their practices, such as group prayers or dhikr, which I had come to view through a Salafi lens as bidah.
Seeking clarity, I turned to both Salafi and non-Salafi friends and imams for advice, but their perspectives varied widely. I deeply respect knowledge, and I acknowledge that both Salafism and non-Salafi traditions have much to offer. However, what I truly need is peace, clarity, and practical guidance suited to this modern era—a time that feels increasingly uncompromising, filled with distractions like excessive music, halal food that may not truly be halal, and relationships that are often neglected. I found myself yearning for a balanced way to follow Islam, one that aligns with the Quran and Hadith but also addresses the complexities of today’s world.
In my search for answers, I turned to ChatGPT, hoping for a data-driven perspective. The response I received was thought-provoking. The anser it gave was clear.
My question was: Using Your analysis, which is most beneficial to the modern era, Salafism or following a madhab. U can only choose one. Explain with references.
Answer from ChatGPT: Between following a madhab and modern Salafism, it is clear that following a madhab is more beneficial for the modern era. The structured methodologies of the four Imams provide consistency, adaptability, and unity, while modern Salafism often results in contradictions, rigidity, and division. This insight resonated with me, as it highlighted the need for a balanced, structured approach to Islam that can navigate the challenges of our time while staying true to its core principles. Ultimately, my journey continues as I seek a path that brings me closer to Allah while fostering peace, clarity, and unity in my life.
Not to be mislead by ChatGPT, I asked another AI tool, Deepseek.
Answer from Deepseek: Based on the analysis of the challenges posed by the modern era—particularly the negative effects of social media, the fast-paced lifestyle, and the need for adaptability—following a madhab (Islamic school of thought) is more beneficial for the modern era compared to modern Salafism.
It’s interesting how different AI tools provide their own perspectives based on their training data. Not to be too relaint on popupar AI tools, I searched another one Claude and its respond was the same:
Answer from Claude: From my analysis, following the madhahib appears more beneficial for the modern era. This is primarily because the established schools of thought provide a thoroughly tested framework of Islamic jurisprudence developed over centuries by scholars who encountered and resolved various novel situations in different times and places. The madhahib’s systematic approach to deriving rulings, combined with their proven flexibility in addressing new challenges while maintaining core principles, makes them particularly well-suited for navigating contemporary issues.
With the immense amount of knowledge that AI tools have access to, their responses can indeed come across as logical and well-structured. When AI advocates for following a madhhab, it’s reflecting the organized, historical, and deeply analytical nature of Islamic jurisprudence. The madhhab system offers a comprehensive framework that helps guide both new and experienced Muslims through the complexities of religious practice, providing consistency and depth, something that can be difficult for individuals to navigate on their own, especially with all the variations and interpretations present in Islamic thought.
Its an important point about how emotions can cloud judgment. Islam emphasizes the need for balance—while emotions are part of human nature, they must be kept in check with proper knowledge and understanding. Without guidance, it’s easy to misinterpret or get lost in the vastness of Islamic thought. This is where both structured scholarly frameworks and personal guidance from trusted sources, such as qualified scholars, come into play.
It’s clear that even with AI tools offering insights, human understanding rooted in knowledge, spiritual maturity, and community guidance will always be essential in navigating Islam effectively. The role of AI in this is supportive, but human engagement is irreplaceable.
Conclusion
So, the best way to learn Islam is to embrace its diversity. Don’t restrict yourself to sitting with just one group — explore, learn, and experience different ways of living the faith. Whether it’s the niqab, a certain religious gathering, or the approach to a particular practice, the key is understanding that what works for one may not be necessary for all. Take, for instance, Imam Albani’s stance on the niqab—it’s not compulsory, but if you choose to wear it for personal reasons, go ahead, but don’t make it a universal requirement. Similarly, if someone observes Mawlid in a manner they believe to be proper, join in and use the opportunity to connect with family, share in the remembrance, and enjoy the moment as a community. After all, this world constantly pulls us away from our religious practices, so any time we can gather for good is valuable.
So what if you don’t know every detail about Imam Abu Hanifah or Imam Shafi’i? Understand that even Salafism drew from various sources, including Imam Hambali. The goal is not to get caught up in labels—be it Salafi, Hanafi, or Shafi’i—but to be a Muslim, practicing with sincerity. We’re born into a world with differing views, not to judge others as wrong but to learn how to coexist, collaborate, and appreciate the vastness of the Islamic tradition. Let’s focus on being part of the bigger picture, accepting diversity in practice, and striving together to live as Muslims, not bound by rigid labels but united in our faith and humanity.
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