Introduction
In today’s world, many seekers of Islamic knowledge find themselves drawn to different schools of thought in search of clarity and authenticity. My journey led me to explore Salafism—a path that initially offered strong appeal through its focus on the Quran and Sunnah. However, over time, I encountered challenges that made me reflect more deeply on what it truly means to practice Islam in the modern era. Here, I share some personal reflections in the hope that others navigating similar paths may find resonance or insight.
How My Journey with Salafism Began
Over the past few years, I have spent considerable time researching Salafism. My interest began when a friend introduced me to lectures and topics that felt very inviting. I was particularly drawn to Salafism’s strong emphasis on the Quran and Sunnah, believing I might finally find the answers I had been seeking in my journey for Islamic knowledge.
However, as I delved deeper, I began to experience growing confusion. Perhaps I had not fully grasped the principles, or perhaps I had not engaged deeply enough—but certain experiences left me questioning.
Observations That Led to Reflection
For example, some Salafi friends advised against watching television due to concerns about inappropriate content such as immodest dress, behavior, and language. Yet, I noticed many of them actively using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, arguing that such spaces could also be sources of beneficial knowledge. But Psychologists say otherwise.
While social media has become an integral part of modern life, its effects—especially on children and adolescents—have raised serious concerns, with research highlighting its negative impact on mental health, behavior, and overall well-being (Teens, Social Media and Technology 2022).
The Importance of Family Ties
Another area that caused me to reflect was the prioritization of close-knit circles within some Salafi communities. Regular visits and strong mutual support were encouraged among members, which is commendable. However, I noticed a tendency to distance themselves from immediate relatives who did not share their approach, often citing concerns about bid’ah (religious innovation), avoiding each other due to misunderstanding and even due to ego issues.
This troubled me, as the Quran places great importance on maintaining family ties, regardless of differences in practice or belief. This tension left me conflicted. Some seemed to place issue of bid’ah issues more than what Quran command
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties. Severing relationships with relatives is condemned (47:22–23), while acts of kindness and support to relatives are presented as acts of righteousness (4:36, 2:83). In fact, Allah describes maintaining ties with family as a command that should be upheld out of devotion to Him (13:21).
Both the Quran and Hadith strongly stress the importance of maintaining family ties. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned that severing these ties could prevent a person from entering Paradise (Bukhari 5988). Moreover, maintaining relationships with relatives brings increased provision and blessings (Muslim 2554; Riyadh as-Salihin 322). These teachings highlight that, even in situations of religious disagreement, the obligation to maintain kindness and communication with family remains essential.
Nevertheless, I have high respect and admiration for those Salafists relatives friends who visit those “normal” Muslims during gatherings. It is a well known fact that Mawlid is a bid’ah for many. However, some Salafists attend the relative house who conducts it, after the main event, which is appreciative. They understood the need for relative kinship stated in the Quran.
Growing Isolation and the Search for Balance
More broadly, I noticed that my own interactions with others—particularly those who followed different madhhabs—began to diminish. Practices such as group dhikr or communal prayers, which I had come to view as bid’ah through the lens of Salafism, led me to unintentionally isolate myself.
Seeking clarity, I consulted both Salafi and non-Salafi friends and scholars. The diversity of their responses reflected the complexity of the issue. I have great respect for Islamic scholars across different traditions and acknowledge that each has valuable insights to offer.
Yet, what I found myself longing for was a sense of peace, clarity, and a practical framework for living faithfully in a modern world—one filled with distractions like pervasive music, questionable halal standards, and the general neglect of meaningful relationships.
Turning to Technology for Perspective
In this search, I also turned to ChatGPT, hoping for a data-driven, neutral perspective. The response I received offered a thought-provoking viewpoint, helping me to reflect even more deeply on my journey.
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 reliant on popular 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. However, A.I. is a machine and the answers are based on fact, statistics and millions of data from the internet. Why do we need to believe it right?
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
The best way to learn Islam is by embracing its diversity. Don’t limit yourself to one group or perspective—there is much to gain from exploring different practices. What works for one person may not be necessary for everyone. For instance, Imam Albani’s view on the niqab is that it’s not obligatory, but those who choose to wear it for personal reasons are free to do so, without imposing it on others. Similarly, observing Mawlid, if done sincerely, can be an opportunity to connect with family, share in remembrance, and experience community.
Not knowing every detail about the views of Imam Abu Hanifah or Imam Shafi’i doesn’t detract from your understanding of Islam. Even Salafism draws from various sources, including Imam Hambali’s teachings. The focus should be on practicing Islam with sincerity, not on labels. In a world of diverse perspectives, let’s avoid judgment, appreciate the richness of Islamic tradition, and strive to live united in faith and shared humanity.
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