Al-Salafiyyah in essence is the methodology (manhaj) of following the Qurʾān and the Sunnah in beliefs, statements and actions, according to the understanding of the Righteous Predecessors (al-Salaf al-Ṣāliḥ), at the head of whom were the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, and those who subsequently followed them in goodness; the Successors (Tābiʿūn) and those who came after them and followed them in goodness; the Followers of the Successors (Atbāʿ al-Tābiʿīn).

The Prophet (ﷺ) said,

The best people are those of my generation, and then those who will come after them, and then those who will come after them.

SAHIH AL-BUKHARI 6429

Quran Āyah

(AT-TAWBAH 9:100)

‎ وَٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلْأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِإِحْسَـٰنٍۢ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا۟ عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّـٰتٍۢ تَجْرِى تَحْتَهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ أَبَدًۭا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْعَظِيمُ

"And the foremost to embrace Islâm of the Muhâjirûn (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansâr (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhâjirûn ) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allâh is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success."

Ibn Sirin (رحمه الله) said,

This knowledge is a religion, so consider from whom you receive your religion.

(MISHKAT AL-MASABIH 273)

Shaykh Muqbil (رحمه الله) said,

"Verily the people, since they have left off returning back to the scholars, have become disoriented"

TUHFATUL MUJEEB (258)