Is Salafism named after the righteous predecessors (As-Salaf As-Saalih)? What is your opinion on the person who rejects this name and says that he can only call himself a Muslim because of the verse (which means): {Allaah named you Muslims before [in former scriptures]} [Quran 22:78]? If the person who follows the righteous predecessors is asked about his methodology, may he say that he is a Salafi?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

There is no doubt that Allaah The Almighty has named us Muslims. It is the name that was given to every person who believes in Allaah and in His messenger, Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and it is sufficient for us to use the name He has given us.

At the same time, there is no objection if someone calls himself a Salafi, provided that he truly follows the course of the righteous predecessors and adopts their beliefs and acts. In brief, beliefs and actions are what matters, not the name.

Allaah Knows best.