Nasiruddin al-Albani's understanding of Salafi creed in terms of its influence in the Balkans

This study aims to provide information about the scholarly personality and creed (ʿaqīdah) understanding of Nasiruddin al-Albani, one of the prominent figures of 20th-century Salafi thought, who occupies a significant place in contemporary Islamic thought. The research seeks to contribute to a closer understanding of the Salafi-Wahhabi orientation to which al-Albani adhered. Through his authored works in Islamic sciences such as hadith and fiqh, his lectures, and particularly his approach to creed, al-Albani stands out as a figure whose influence continues to be felt today and whose ideas remain the subject of much debate. Furthermore, given al-Albani's ethnic origin from the Balkans and his Albanian ancestry, he is regarded as one of the influential personalities whose scholarly activities and ideas have had a lasting impact on the Albanian people since the late 20th century. This study seeks to present detailed information about al-Albani's life and educational background, along with explanations regarding the Salafi methodology (manhaj) he followed in theological matters. Furthermore, al-Albani's theological views and ideas will be evaluated in light of his interpretations of the Qur'an and Sunnah. The study also intends to include the theological perspectives of Ahl al-Sunnah scholars (mutakallimūn) in order to compare their doctrinal views with those of al-Albani, thereby aiming to make the issues related to creed more comprehensible. In addition, the influence of al-Albani's Albanian students and other Salafi scholars on Islamic activities that began in the Balkans towards the end of the 20th century and continue to the present day will be assessed. The study will also attempt to reveal how these Salafi scholars' activities have been reflected in Balkan societies, particularly within the Albanian scholarly and intellectual circles.