Aswaja conceptual understanding, in essence, very simple. However, the interpretation of many classes and groups of diverse interpretations tend out contrast. Background and interests of the interpreter or reader is what causing the conceptual simplicity of understanding Aswaja become increasingly complex.  Aswaja is an abbreviation of the term Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah. There are three words that form this term, namely: 1) Ahl, meaning family, group, or followers, 2) al-Sunnah, derived from the word "Sanna" meaning explained. Named "Sunnah" because it serves to explain the Qur'an. In terms of law (fiqh), the word means "something that is recommended to be done, but not mandatory." Meanwhile, according to the scholars of Usul Fiqh, the word "Sunnah" means "nothing is done, said, or set by the Prophet, who can be argued as in setting a legal Shar'ie (Mun’im al-Hafni, 2009). In a rather broad limit, also included actions, edicts and traditions construct by the Companions (al-Shahabi atsar).

Sunnah within the limits of theologians (theologian) is the belief (i'tiqad) which is based on the proposition naql (al-Qur'an, hadith, and qawl or greeting Shahabi), instead of merely relying on understanding reason (ratio). In terms of political experts, the sunnah is the trail left by the Messenger of God and the first four caliphs. Is the Jama'ah of the Muslims forerunner of the companions, tabi'in and those who follow in the footsteps of their goodness until the Day of Judgment. They gathered based on al-Qur'an and Sunnah and run according to that has been pursued by the Apostle of Allah SAW both physically and spiritually (Musa, 1975).

Considering the hadith of Allah's Apostle, is the Jama'ah is what has been agreed upon by the companions of Rasul SAW during the first four caliphs, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. The term "Jama'ah" is also based on the hadith of the prophet when answering questions about the companions (to be) the result of the destruction of the human race split into 71 or 72 groups, and the only survivor of the group, namely alJama'ah (Abdusshamad, 2004).

Thus, Aswaja is a group of loyal followers of the Prophet and his companions. From this sense, appears different interpretations of who they are called as followers Aswaja. In the al-Kawakib al-Lamma’ah given would therefore, stated, "The so-called Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah are the ones who always guided by the Sunnah of the Prophet and his companions in the matter of religious creed, lahiriyah deeds and moral heart "(Abdusshamad, 2004).

Wahhabi Salafi circles refer to the term Aswaja the Salaf. In Wajiz fi al-Aqidah al-Salaf al-Salih stated that Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah is a group that has been promised the Apostle of Allah SAW would survive among others. Their foundation rests on the doctrine of following the Sunnah (ittiba al-Sunnah), and follow what Prophet Muhammad brought by both the problems of belief, worship, guidance, behavior, morals and always accompanies the congregation of the Muslims. Thus, the definition of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah is not out of the definition of the Salaf (al-Atsari, 2007). In development do occur differences in interpretation of the meaning of the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah. The term Sunnah itself, for example, has two meanings: first, "the way". It is said ahl al-Sunnah, then the question is those who follow the path of the companions and tabi'in receive mutashabihat verses (multiple interpretations) and gave meaning to God. Secondly, the Sunnah which means "hadith". That is, those who believe in the truth of the hadith of the Prophet (Umam, 2009).

The difference in this view, in addition to bring Aswaja groups, also gave birth to other terminology used to refer to Aswaja. The followers of Imam Ibn Hanbal schools, for example, calls this Aswaja with Ahl alSunnah wa al-Jama'ah wa al-Atsar. They added the word "al-Atsar", to indicate that they cling to the text, not on reason. This designation is intended to distinguish himself with a group that is considered to glorify philosophical reason was religious. This rationalist group they called the ahl al-Ra'yi, al-Kalam, and the Ahl alBid'ah (Ya'la, 1952).