Praise be to Allah.
"Al-salaf" (the forefathers, or ones who passed before) are one and the same as "ahl ul-sunnah wal-jamaa'ah" (the followers of the sunnah and the united Islamic community). They comprise those who follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions (may Allah be pleased with him), and adhere to their principles, beliefs, and practices. This fact is witnessed by the Prophet's statement when he was asked about the party that will be saved and spared (from Hell), in which he said: "They are those who are (i.e., live, act, and believe) as I and my companions are today."
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