Analysis of Salafism in Theological Approach of Ibn Kathir and Alousi by Focusing on the Requirements of Monotheism

In order to authenticate their claims, followers of Salafism try to attribute prominent scholars of different eras to their school of thought. This research is going to explore the correctness of attribution of Ibn Kathir and Alousi to the Salafi movement. In this regard and based on two commentaries of the Quran, Tafsir al-Quran al-‘Adhim and Ruh al-Ma‘ani, the requirements of monotheism as the most challenging topic between Salafism and other theological schools of thought will be studied. Also, this research focuses on the viewpoints of Ibn Taymiyyah, the founder of Salafism, as a criterion for evaluation of these two commentators. The conclusion is that Ibn Kathir and Alousi have deep differences in the discussions about requirements of monotheism with Ibn Taymiyyah and other Salafi scholars. Therefore, we can doubt in attribution of Ibn Kathir and Alousi to the Salalfi School of thought. In addition, deep dissension among Salafi scholars in an important issue like monotheism can put introducing Salafism as a solid and systematic school of thought under a big question mark.