Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part K (2025)

This paper investigates the evolution and socio-political impact of the Salafi (Ahle Hadith) movement in India. It emphasises its interaction with the country's multicultural and pluralistic society. Tracing its roots to the reformist efforts of Shah Waliullah and his successors, the study examines how Salafism, with its doctrinal rigidity and emphasis on Islamic purity attempts to adapt within a religiously diverse and culturally rich Indian context. It looks at how the movement's ideas are different from those of syncretic Islamic practices like Sufism and Barelvism. Moreover, it also analyses how it interacts with Hindu majoritarian politics, and how it uses India's political systems in a practical way. The paper also talks about how Salafism uses education, fatwas and gender roles to make its position acknowledged in society and culture. The study shows Salafism as a reforming movement in modern India. It is trying to balance religious purity with the needs of social unity and political importance. It does this by pointing out both internal conflicts and how others see it.