Journal of Islamic Studies > Volume 25, No. 1, 2013

Approaches to Qur’anic Evidence: Salafist Approach vs. Contemporary Rationalist Trends / Ahmad Ibn-Mohammed Allaheeb

This research explores the differences between two approaches to understanding Qur’anic evidence: the Salafi approach and
that of contemporary rationalist trends. It aims to explain both approaches to dealing with Qur’anic evidence, by applying inductive and
deductive methodological procedures. The main conclusions of the research include the following: the term “Salaf” refers to the “adherents
to the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the Sahābah’s moderate related understanding, regardless of era”; the Salafi thought has a sensible attitude
towards the mind; contemporary rationalists are influenced by Western thinkers and methodologies, especially by the anti-Islamic attitudes
of orientalists; and they employ deceptive tactics to justify their ready-made pre-judgments. As for the research recommendations, they
include the following: promoting genuine Shari’ah sciences; acquainting fellow Muslims with the Salafi methodology by simplified means -
this is the best way to protect Muslims from going astray; and keeping channels of communication open with non-Salafis for purposes of
Da’wah (call, to Islam, not for the purpose of scoring points