Q 3: Is it permissible to say "Allah is the Founder of the Salafiyyah movement (those following the way of the righteous predecessors)"?

A: Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. This means that Allah has chosen Islam to be His Religion (Part No. 2; Page No. 407) and Law which He has revealed to His Messenger and Slave Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islam is the final religion and law and its followers are the Muslims who have not deviated from its course by following a Bid`ah (innovation in religion), act of misguidance or a personal desire. These are the Muslim main body that can be called any of these synonymous names: "Ahl-ul-Sunnah", "Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah", "Ahl-ul-Hadith" and "Al-Salafiyyun".Salafiyyah is a good name that means that such people are following the footsteps of the Salaf and those after them (may Allah be pleased with them all). It is a name making a distinction between them and those who introduced Bid`ah, changed, altered and distorted the religion. Based on that, the statement "Allah is the Founder of the Salafiyyah movement" is true in its meaning that Allah has legislated its laws. However, it is not permissible to use the term "founder" with Allah since there is no evidence supporting it. The rule is that no Name or Attribute is attributed to Allah except that which He has attributed to Himself or which the Messenger (peace be upon him) has attributed to Him. The same thing applies to the statement "Allah is the Architect of the universe". It is true in meaning for Allah is the Creator but its attribute is not confirmed. Consequently both statements are not permissible to use based on the previous discussion.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.