Related Articles: Ahl As-Sunnah - Who Are They?; Navigating Conflicting Claims Regarding the Aqeedah of the Four Imams and the Salaf
The Salaf As-Saaliheen (I.e. "Salaf") are the righteous predecessors from the first three generations of Islaam. These three generations have been praised by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم as the best generations that were to ever exist. It goes without saying that they are the most guided, most knowledgeable, and most righteous generations of this ummah, without doubt. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم advised that there will be splitting amongst his ummah, and advised that the cure to the disease of splitting is through following the Sunnah of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. As the Salaf were the best of the people and understood the Sunnah best, it is incumbent that their path be followed, if one wants to be from the saved sect. The only other option one has is to oppose them, and therefore be a follower of an innovated sect that has no linkage to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. And this is exactly what the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم warned against. And this highlights the importance of following the way of the Salaf.