Salaf al-Salih (Pious Predecessors)

Salaf is an Arabic noun which translates to "predecessor", or "forefather". In Islam it refers to the first three generations of Muslims, the so-called "Pious Predecessors".

According to Prophet Muhammad in the hadith, the Sahabah ("Companions"), Tabi'un ("Followers"), and Tabi' al-Tabi'un ("Those after the Followers") are among the best generation of Muslims on Earth, and are therefore seen by the vast majority of today's Muslims as a model for how Islam should be practiced.

Salafis are a Muslims who claim to rid Islam of Bid'ah or innovation introduced after the Salaf of the Prophet had passed away. They thus tend toward strict orthodox interpretation of the Qur'an and Sunnah.