The Ruling on Calling Those Who Are Not of the People of the Sunnah and the Community "People of the Sunnah and the Community"

Question:
O Shaykh, the groups number seventy-two.

Answer:
Everyone who opposes the people of the Sunnah and the community falls into one of the seventy-two sects, and he incurs blame and punishment to the extent of his opposition, whether it is major or minor. It is permissible to call oneself a Salafi if it is true; however, if it is merely a claim without basis, it is not permissible. It is not permissible to call oneself a Salafi while not following the methodology of the Salaf. The Asha'irah say, "We are the people of the Sunnah and the community." This is not permissible, because that title is reserved for the people of the Sunnah and the community. The same applies to others; everyone claims a connection to Layla, but Layla does not acknowledge them. One who claims to be on the path of the people of the Sunnah and the community must follow the way of the people of the Sunnah and the community and abandon those who oppose them. As for combining the "dhab" and the "nun" as they say, or combining the beasts of the desert with the beasts of the sea, that is not acceptable. Or combining fire and water in one's palm, one must distinguish matters and scrutinize them.