A linear drive for sliding doors, particularly linear drives based on linear motors. A linear drive, for at least one part which is movable along a movement path, particularly a sliding door leaf, has at least one linear motor for the at least one part. A stator part of the linear motor is received in a receiving profile so as to be prevented from falling out. The receiving profile is constructed to be arranged at a fastening device, which is arranged in turn on the installation side of a wall portion or top portion. Accordingly, the stator part and receiving profile form a module or unit, which can be mounted in its entirety. Therefore, a person performing the mounting can use the receiving profile for mounting, which helps to reduce the risk of damaging the stator part.