Salafism (Arabic: سلفي‎ "predecessors" or "early generations"), is a generic term, depicting a school of thought that takes the pious ancestors (Salaf) of the patristic period of early Islam as exemplary models[. This branch of Islam is often referred to as "Wahhabi," a term that many adherents to this tradition do not use. Wahhabism is a particular orientation within Salafism. Most puritanical groups in the Muslim world are Salafi in orientation, but not necessarily Wahhabi[2]. Salafism is not a sect per se but describes a simplified version of Islam, in which adherents follow a few commands and practices.

Salafis view the first three generations of Muslims, who are Muhammad's companions, and the two succeeding generations after them, the Tabi‘in and the Taba‘ at-Tabi‘in, as examples of how Islam should be practiced. This principle is derived from the following hadith by Muhammad:

“ The people of my generation are the best, then those who follow them, and then whose who follow the latter (i.e. the first three generations of Muslims). ”

One tenet of Salafism is that Islam was perfect and complete during the days of Muhammad and his companions, but that undesirable innovations were added afterwards due to materialist and cultural influences over the later centuries. Salafism seeks to revive a practice of Islam that more closely resembles the religion during the time of Muhammad

Distinctive beliefs and practices
Salafis idealize an uncorrupted bygone religious community that declined due to foreign innovations (bid‘ah). They seek an Islamic revival through the purging of these influences and the emulation of the early generations. Particular emphasis is given to monotheism (tawhid), condemning many traditional practices as polytheism (shirk), and encouraging struggle (jihad) of varying degrees. Salafis believe that widespread Muslim practices such as venerating the graves of Islamic prophets and saints are shirk. Photographs of any living being that possesses a soul are forbidden. Celebration of Muhammad's birthday (Mawlid) is also considered as bid`a. Salafis in general are opposed to both Sufi and Shi'a doctrines, which they regard as deviations.

Salafis place great emphasis on ritual not only in prayer but in every activity in life -- three fingers should always be used when eating, water is to be drunk in three pauses with the right hand while sitting -- so as to follow the example of Muhammad and his companions and make religion part of every activity in life.

Salafism differs from the earlier contemporary Islamic revival movements of Islamism of the 1970s and 1980s, in that (at least many) Salafis reject not only Western ideologies such as socialism and capitalism, but also common Western concepts like economics, constitutions, political parties, revolution and social justice. Muslims should not engage in Western activities like politics, "even by giving them an Islamic slant." [8] Instead, Muslims should stick to Islamic activities, particularly dawah and jihad. Salafis promote sharia rather than an Islamic political program or state.

Salafis reject dogmatic theology (kalam). They consider this to be based on classical Greek philosophy (Plato and Aristotle) and an import foreign to the original practice of Islam.

Salafism is a movement, and like the Sufis, Salafis can come from the Maliki, the Shafi, the Hanbali, or the Hanafi. Salafis are divided on the question of adherence to the four recognized schools of traditional legal interpretation (madhhabs).

Some Salafis wish to base their jurisprudence directly on the Qu'ran and Sunnah. They believe that literal readings of the Qur'an and the hadith (or oral traditions) are sufficient guidance for the believing Muslim. One scholar who supported this position was Albaanee.
Some Salafis follow the teachings of the 14th century Syrian scholar Ibn Taymiya, and his students Ibn al-Qayyim and Ibn Kathir.
Some Salafis rely on the jurisprudence of one of the four famous madhabs. For example, Ibn Taymiya followed the Hanbali madhhab. Some of his students (such as Ibn Kathir and Al-Dhahabi) followed the Shafi madhhab. Other students (such as Ibn Abu al-Iz) follow the Hanafi madhhab.
Some members of this form of Islam call themselves Muwahhidun ("Unitarians"). They use the Salafi Da'wa or Ahlul Sunna wal Jama'a. However, because Salafis see themselves as practicing "pure" Islam, Salafi adherents may not necessarily identify themselves as "Salafis".

History of Salafism
From the perspective of the Salafis themselves, their history starts with the Prophet himself. They consider themselves direct followers of his teachings, and wish to emulate the piety of the earliest followers of Islam (the salaf al-salih). All later scholars are merely revivers (not 'founders'). Modern scholars may only come to teach (or remind) us of the instructions of the original Salaf.

From the perspective of some others, the history of Salafism started in Egypt in the mid 19th century among intellectuals at al-Azhar University, the preeminent center of Islamic learning, located in Cairo. Legal scholar L. Ali Khan describes this movement as the Second Era of Ijtihad. Prominent among them were Muhammad Abduh (1849-1905), Jamal al-Din al-Afghani (1839-1897) and Rashid Rida (1865-1935). These early reformers recognized the need for an Islamic revival, noticing the changing fortunes in the Islamic world following the Enlightenment in Europe, which they admired. Al-Afghani was a political activist, whereas Abduh, an educator, sought gradual social reform. Debate continues today over the appropriate method of reform, ranging from violent political Islamism to less politicized evangelism.

The Saudi Arabian government once described itself as Wahhabi, but now claims to follow the Salafi understanding of Islam, which it claims began in Saudi Arabia in the early 19th century.Al-Qaeda, a group opposed to the Saudi government, as well as the Muslim Brotherhood also claim to follow the Salafi movement.[10] Despite some similarities, the different modern groups that claim to be part of Salafism often strongly disapprove of each other and deny their Salafi character.