Regrets when finding salafiyyah
Assalāmu ‘alaykum
Before the post, just a reminder of a chapter from Kitāb at-Tawḥīd: do not open the door of "لو" (what-ifs), but rather say as the Prophet ﷺ taught us to say: قدر الله وما شاء فعل (Allāh decreed it, and what He wills, He does)
When you first learnt about this methodology (of following the Qur‘ān and sunnah, focusing on how the first 3 generations understood it), did you make any mistakes, or choose any decisions that you would now avoid? I ask so that we may learn from the experiences of others, and new brothers/sisters can avoid similar patterns.
For me the biggest thing was not getting a mentor from the beginning. Regardless of whether it was a shaykh, student of knowledge, or a more experienced classmate. Just being around someone who can teach you about the methodology, answer your questions, give you resources, keep you accountable, increase your motivation. Mulāzamah (accompanying in daily affairs) of a shaykh or teacher is a difficult, almost foreign concept in the UK, but is very much needed.
Unfortunately most of us take social media and Instagram reels as our mentors, which can lead to hearing conflicting ideas which you don't have the tools to resolve yourself.
May Allāh elevate our mentors and allow us to overtake them in beneficial knowledge and action.