WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF MANHAJ?  

Manhaj means The methodology of implementing the beliefs and laws of Islam.

The  Salaf us-Saalih are distinguished for their adherence to the methodological principles outlined in the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of His Messenger and the practice of the Companions.

Thus, in the arena of Aqeedah (creed) the Salaf us-Saalih follow a particular methodology, which is opposed to that of other than them, such as the Ash'arees, the Mu'tazilah and their likes whose hallmark is to raise the intellect and kalaam (theological rhetoric) over the texts of the Book and the Sunnah and the well-known sayings of the Imaams of this ummah.

Similarly, in the arena of Ibaadah (worship), the Salaf us-Saalih adhere to a methodology opposed to that of the intoxicated Soofees and Grave worshippers, who invent and innovate into the religion that for which Allaah sent down no authority.

Similarly, in the arena of Da'wah (calling to Allaah) and current affairs, the Salaf us-Saalih are distinguished from the innovated and pretentious methodologies of the political activists, who under the guise of following the Salaf and the contemporary Ulamaa, rouse the emotions and sentiments of the common-folk, take them away from the firmly established scholars and merely call to themselves.

Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan - may Allaah preserve him - said, The reasons for disunity are many. From amongst the main causes are: Firstly, opposing the Manhaj (methodology) of the Salaf, the Companions of Allaah's Messenger and those who follow them. So the Salaf had a Manhaj that they adhered to; a Manhaj in aqeedah (creed), a Manhaj in da'wah (calling to Allaah), a Manhaj in enjoining good and forbidding evil, a Manhaj in how to judge between people. This Manhaj, in all situations, was based upon the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of our Messenger . [Wujoob ut-Tathabbut fil-Akhbaaar p.18]

Questions and Answers Concerning Manhaj