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
Marja' al-Taqlid (Religious Authority)
The highest religious authority in Shia Islam, whom the believer follows in prayer and legal matters.
Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Jurisprudence)
Islamic legal theory that defines the methods for deriving legal rules from the sacred sources.
Qunut (Supplication with Raised Hands)
A personal supplication (du'a) with raised hands, recited during the prayer.
Salat al-Wahsha (The Prayer of Loneliness)
A prayer performed on the first night after burial for the soul of the deceased.
Sunan Ibn Majah (Ibn Majah's Hadith Collection)
The sixth of the canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam with unique narrations.
Ruku (Bowing)
Bowing from the waist during prayer as a sign of humility.