The Ruling on Certifying Groups and Identifying as Salafi

Question:
This questioner asks: What is your opinion of those who endorse certain groups and say that they are from the people of the Sunnah and the community? And what is your opinion of those who refuse to identify as Salafi?

Answer:
Endorsement is based on knowledge. If he knows about this person or this group that they are good and that they follow the methodology of the people of the Sunnah, he rules based on his knowledge. But if he knows nothing about them, it is not permissible for him to endorse them, . Endorsement is a testimony; we do not testify except to what we know. Therefore, endorsement must be based on knowledge and familiarity with the conditions of the person being endorsed; otherwise, the endorsement is fabricated. There is no objection to identifying as Salafi. This is an honor. It is an honor for a person to identify as Salafi and affiliate with it. Yes.