I am now studying the Manhaj of Salaf. So recently, I was watching a speech by a Sufi Sheikh. He was saying that most of the previous great Imams such as Imam Abu Hanifa, Shafi’e, Malikie, and Hambali practiced Tassawuf (Sufism). He also said that Imam an-Nawawi, Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalani, as-Suyooti, Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Ibn Katheer, and even Ibn Taymiyyah were Sufis. He said they were Sufis during their time. And because of Ibn Abdul Wahhab the Fitna arose. I was quite disturbed by his statement, because he said there is a lot of evidence about the Imams whom I mention above are Sufis.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Following the way of the rightly guided predecessors (the Salaf) in creed, deeds and manners is what every Muslim should do.  Therefore, every Muslim should learn the sufficient amount of the above and act accordingly.  He/she should learn all obligations that are individually incumbent upon him/her such as the knowledge of Allah, His Messenger, the prayer, the Zakat, if he has property liable for Zakat, and Hajj if he is able to perform it.

One should also know that the scholars among the rightly guided predecessors (Salaf) applied the teachings of Islam in their lives believing firmly that Islam, the revelation of Allah, is embodied in the Quran and the Sunnah. These scholars were pious, ascetic and good mannered.  Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdul Wahhab did not deny the way of the Salaf.

As for what the Sufi groups innovated, such as exaggerating in regard to some creatures (by giving them qualities that are only befitting to Allah), giving vows to them, seeking help from them, building shrines on their graves, praying to them and making sacrifices for them, then all this is forbidden. These Sufis also opened a door for false interpretation of the Attributes of Allah. They also called for the elimination of some religious duties and encouraged illicit sex, hence turning people away from the right religion.

Many scholars including those you mentioned – confronted them. So, whoever reads the books of Fath Al-Baari by Ibn Hajar, interpretation of Saheeh Muslim by An-Nawawi, Ibn Taymiyah’s books, Ibn Al Qayyim’s books, as well as Ibn Katheer’s books, will find that they all denied such innovations.

In fact, these books are full of responses to the outrageous Sufi groups shedding light on these, clarifying the truth and showing the innovations of such groups.

As for Shaykh Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdul Wahhab, he is one of the late Salaf.  He denied what the Salaf denied and called for what they called for.  He warned against Shirk and its means, warned against innovations, and called people to believe in Allah Alone and to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet .

Many of the scholars who lived during his time testified that he was of great and noble character.

Among these scholars, we name Ash-Shawkaany, As-San’aani, Al-Jabarti, Muhammad Basheer As-Sahsawaany Al Hindi, and Muhammad Shukri al-aloussy, etc.

Many of the scholars who first criticized Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdul Wahhab, had withdrawn their critics when they read his books.

Finally, we advise you to do the following:

1. Supplicate Allah to guide you and make you steadfast on the truth;

2. Befriend good Muslims;

3. Visit Sunni scholars, and read their books;

4. Most importantly, read the Quran and the Hadeeth.

The Sharee’ah should be learned through sound evidence, which could be known by asking eminent scholars. Always keep in mind that the best of all talks is the Word of Allah (Quran), and the best of all forms of guidance is the Sunnah (guidance) of the Prophet Muhammad . Perform night prayers. Start such prayers with the supplication that the Prophet used to say at the beginning of such prayers.

‘Aa’ishah narrated that the Prophet supplicated saying: “O Allah, Lord of Jibraeel, Mikaeel and Israfeel (great angels); Creator of the Heavens and the earth; Knower of the seen and the unseen; You are the Arbitrator between Your servants in that which they have disputed; Guide me to the truth by Your leave in that which they have differed, for verily You guide whom You will to the straight path.”

Allah knows best.