Manhaj (منهج) is an Arabic word meaning method, path or doctrine. In Islam, the systematic method of upholding Aqeedah and performing deeds is called Manhaj. It is an important part of Salafism.[1] Salafism consists of two main areas, namely Aqidah and Manhaj. Aqidah refers to the beliefs of Salafis, while Manhaj refers to how these beliefs are practiced. Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani, when asked about the importance and difference between these two elements, replied that "Aqidah is more specific than Manhaj". He further emphasized that both Aqeedah and Manhaj are inseparable for one to become a Salafi and one cannot become Salafi in Aqeedah by applying Manhaj to the Ikhwani Salafi. In the case of Manhaj, it is the ideological element of modern Salafism that bears witness to differences and diversity. Some believe that Salafi Manhaj can also be seen in different forms. For example, Saleh Al-Fawzan states that manhaj means "the method of implementing the beliefs and laws of Islam" and that it comes in three different forms, namely, the method of dealing with religious sources (the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and the well-known sayings of the ulama), the method of worship or the way of worship and the way of dealing with the community or ummah.[2]
Salafi scholar and professor of Umm al-Qura University Muhammad Ibn Umar Salim Bazmul elaborates on this in his book Salafi Manhaj,[3] the discussion of which is as follows:
