The Salafi Identity in Yemen: Change vs. Stability(1980–2024)

  Salafi Identity in Yemen Between Continuity and Change (1980–2024)

This study aims to provide a comprehensive description and analysis of contemporary Salafi thought in Yemen, from its emergence in the 1980s through 2024. It primarily seeks to trace the factors shaping Salafi identity, examine the intellectual and political transformations experienced by the movement, and assess the extent to which it has maintained its foundational principles in contrast to the changes it has undergone as a result of successive political and social crises.

The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to document historical developments and analyze their implications and reflections on the intellectual structure of Salafism. It also employs an inductive method to trace the movement’s trajectories, alongside deductive and critical approaches to analyze the positions of Salafi leaders. Additionally, a comparative method is utilized in selected contexts to evaluate differences among various currents.

Key Findings:

The study reaches several key conclusions, most notably:

•    Salafism in Yemen has undergone fundamental transformations that have led it to depart from its original rigid foundational approach established by Sheikh Muqbil al-Wadi‘i, particularly regarding the rejection of partisanship and political engagement.

•    External influences (regional and international) have played a prominent and pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the Salafi movement, redirecting it at times to serve specific political agendas.

•    A significant fragmentation of Salafi identity has occurred, resulting in the emergence of divergent currents (traditional scholarly, activist, and politico-military), with some factions becoming involved in armed activities as “instruments” within both internal and external conflicts.

•    The early shift toward charitable work through associations served as a gateway for Salafism’s political engagement, contributing to a weakening of doctrinal “continuity” in favor of pragmatic “change.”