“It is not at all an innovation to refer to Ahl al-Sunnah as the Salafiyyoon. Rather, the legislative usage of ‘as-Salaf’ corresponds completely with the legislative usage of ‘Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah.’ That is ascertained by contemplating upon the consensus of all of the linguists regarding the Companions. For they (the Companions) are the Salaf and they are Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah. So just as it is correct for us to say: “Sunnee,” as an ascription to Ahl al-Sunnah, it is also correct for us to say:“Salafī,” as an ascription to the Salaf; there is no difference.”
