Towards an Ecumenical Conception of Salafiyyah ~ Dr. Yasir Qadhi

In case you still haven't read Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi's article 'On Salafi Islam' here is the link.

http://muslimmatters.org/2014/04/22/on-salafi-islam-dr-yasir-qadhi/

Over the last half a century, the term 'Salafī' has come to designate an Islamic methodology, the aspirational objective of which is the emulation of the Prophetic example via the practices and beliefs of the earliest generations of Islam. The first three Islamic generations are the closest to the era of Muḥammad ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) and the period of revelation, are understood to best embody the Prophetic Sunnah, and thus a pristine Islam.

Despite such a sound methodological approach the Salafī movement, like any other, is as fallible as the people who adhere to it. The abstract notion of 'Salafism' (as a Platonic Universal) does not exist outside of the very real and tangible world that humans inhabit; and since all humans are prone to error, the Salafī movement has also manifested some errors and inconsistencies in its claim to follow the earliest of generations.

Is there any way that those who identify with the movement can move towards a more ecumenical outlook while being faithful to their school's heritage?

In this insightful academic talk Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi challenges the inconsistencies of the modern Salafī movement and provides solutions for unity and a sounder understanding of following in the footsteps of the earlier generations in 'action' & 'spirit' not just 'quoting text'.

Recorded 20th June 2014