Salaf (The Pious Predecessors)
The first three generations of Muslims: sahabah, tabi'in, and tabi' al-tabi'in.
Salaf (the pious predecessors, al-salaf al-salih) refers to the first three generations of Muslims: the sahabah (Prophet's companions), the tabi'in (successors), and the tabi' al-tabi'in (successors of the successors). These generations are considered to have had the most authentic understanding of Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The best of people are my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them" (Sahih al-Bukhari). In Sunni Islam, there is broad agreement that the salaf's understanding and practice is an important reference for correct Islamic practice.
In prayer matters, the salaf's practice is particularly relevant because they were closest to the Prophet's original teaching. When there is disagreement about a prayer act, all schools of law turn to the salaf's transmitted practice as an interpretive key. Imam Malik based his entire school of law on the practice in Medina (Amal Ahl al-Madinah), which he believed represented a living tradition from the salaf.
Related terms
Hayya ala Khayr al-Amal (Come to the Best of Deeds)
The third exhortation in the Shia adhan: "Come to the best of deeds".
Jam' bayn al-Salatayn (Combining Prayers)
The Shia practice of praying Dhuhr and Asr together, and Maghrib and Isha together.
Akhirah (The Hereafter)
Life after death — the eternal life that prayer prepares the believer for.
Sahih Muslim (Muslim's Authentic Collection)
The second most authoritative hadith collection in Sunni Islam, compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.
Tarawih (Ramadan Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer performed in congregation during Ramadan.
Qiyas (Analogical Reasoning)
Legal analogy used to derive Islamic rules for new situations based on established rules.