Claim to following the Salaf whilst openly opposing them

They claimed to follow the Salaf (righteous predecessors) when (in fact) they openly opposed them.

Sheikh Muhammed bin Abdul Wahaab Aspects of Ignorance (Masail Jahiliyyah)

Similarly, the people of misguidance from amongst the Muslim claim to follow the Salaf (Predecessors) of this Ummah (Nation) i.e the Sahaba, Tabieen and At-Tabieen and to be upon their methodology.

Not everyone that claims to be upon the way of the Salaf or to be following the methodology of the Salaf is truthful in his claim. One’s claim can only be verified if his beliefs are compared with the methodology of the Salaf. If they conform to it, then he is upon the methodology of the Salaf and if they contradict it, then he is not upon the methodology of the Salaf, even if he claims to be.

All of the deviant sects today claim to follow the way of the Salaf (Predecessors). However, the reality is that they are not upon the methodology of the Salaf since the statement of Allah Messengers ﷺ , which is the distinguishing guideline for the way of the Salaf, does not apply to them. And it is his Saying ‘Those who are upon the same thing (i.e Creed and methodology) that I and my companions are upon.’ These individuals are truly upon the way of the Salaf. But as for the one who opposes this  (guideline) then he is not upon the way of the Salaf, even if he claims it.

The consideration is not in mere claim but rather, it is in the facts. Those who claim to be ‘Salafees’ are many, but what they are upon needs to be referenced back and compared to the methodology of the righteous predecessors. So if it conforms to that, then their claim is true, and if not, then they are not upon the methodology of the Salaf.

Sheikh Fawzan Explanation of the Book ‘Aspects of the Day of Ignorance’