Salafi–Sufi relations
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Salafism and Sufism are two major scholarly movements which have been influential in Sunni Muslim societies. The debates between Salafi and Sufi schools of thought have dominated the Sunni world since the classical era, splitting their influence across religious communities and cultures, with each school competing for scholarly authority via official and unofficial religious institutions. The relationship between Salafism and Sufism — whose interpretations of Islam differ — is historically diverse and reflects some of the changes and conflicts in the Muslim world.
Salafism is associated with literalist approaches to Islam, giving importance to literal interpretation of Qur'an, hadith and attaining tazkiya (self-purification) by imitating Muhammad and the salaf (the first generations of Muslims). Sufism is associated with the rectification of the soul (tasawwuf) and is mainly focused in becoming a better Muslim to achieve a higher status in paradise by imitating the Islamic saints (awliya) and pious leaders. Both Sufism and Salafism are not inherently political. However, many Sufis and Salafis have championed common political causes and engaging in Islamist activities.
Although Salafism and Sufism can "overlap", they also differ on key doctrinal issues. Salafi-Sufi debates are often called "polemical". Both Sufis and Salafis are unequivocal against modernist approaches to Islam and condemn any form of Hadith rejectionist tendencies. For Sufis, the shaykh or murshid yields unrivalled spiritual authority. For Salafis, scriptural sources form religious authority and anyone who oppose them is misguided. Salafis are critical of various Sufi rituals arguing that such rituals are "irreconcilable with true Islam", as well as condemning the Sufi focus on spirituality alone while shunning the material world.
Relations between the two movements were described by some Western observers as one with "battle lines drawn", or a "rift" found in "practically every Muslim country", and in "the Muslim diasporic communities of the West" as well. Many Muslim scholars and activists are weary of recurring Sufi-Salafi debates and often voice criticism against such polemics, arguing that these debates polarize the Muslim community.