A comparative study of the views of the Ash›arites and Salafis regarding the meaning and nature of faith and disbelief

Iman (faith) and Kufr (disbelief) are the most critical issues in the Islamic world. Today, Salafism, have shed the blood of thousands of Muslims everywhere on the Earth, due to ambiguities in their nature and lack of proper criteria for their meaning. This study used a descriptive-analytical method and has been conducted to condemn Salafist movement and to clarify their deviation from the Ahl al-Sunnah wa›l-Jamaah. The current study investigated two perspectives in three areas in this regard. Firstly, the Salafis, like the Kharijites (Arabic: Khawarij), consider deeds as the most crucial pillar in the realization of faith. Secondly, Salafism believes in the unity of the meaning of faith and Islam and consider the renunciation of faith as the renunciation of Islam. Thirdly, they had spread the scope of Nawaqid-ul-Islam and introduced deeds such as seeking intercession (tawassul) to Awliya Allah {- Divinely-inspired leaders (Saints)} and seeking fulfilment of hajat (Egnlish: wishes, needs) from Allah through them as the means of infidelity. It is while the Ash›arite theology, which constitutes the overall Ahl-al Sunnah thoughts, is opposed to the Salafism.