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
Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
The Islamic legal science that derives practical rules from the Quran and Sunnah.
Hijri (Islamic Calendar)
The Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the Prophet's migration to Medina.
Salat al-Istikhara (Guidance Prayer)
A prayer where one asks Allah for guidance to make the right decision.
Salat al-Duha (Forenoon Prayer)
A voluntary prayer performed after sunrise and before noon, with great reward according to the narrations.
Sajdah (Prostration)
Prostration with the forehead on the ground — the most humble position in prayer.
Sahih al-Bukhari (Bukhari's Authentic Collection)
The most authoritative hadith collection in Sunni Islam, compiled by Imam al-Bukhari.