This paper examines the creed (ʿaqīdah) of Imam al-Ālūsī, and whether he was Salafi in creed or not. It begins by defining and presenting a framework of Islamic creed, distinguishing between primary Islamic doctrines (Uṣūl al-Dīn), secondary doctrines that define the Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jamāʿah, and tertiary theological inquiries. It then describes Salafism with some of its most salient characteristics and defining features, including its theological positions, polemical stances, and intellectual authorities. Through analysis of al-Ālūsī’s educational background, scholarly lineage, and extensive writings, particularly his magnum opus Rūḥ al-Maʿānī, the study demonstrates his theological and methodological views, and his relationship with the Sunni-Sufi-Kalām tradition. The paper also addresses Salafi claims regarding them, showing they stem from eisegesis and fail to account for al-Ālūsī’s explicit statements and for the differences between him and his descendants. The study contributes to the broader discourse on theological classification by highlighting the importance of textual evidence over biographical associations and demonstrates how Imam al-Ālūsī represents the classical Sunni tradition’s balanced approach to theology, spirituality, and exegesis.
