Sects

A sect is a subgroup of a religious, political, or philosophical belief system, usually an offshoot of a larger group. Although the term was originally a classification for religious separated groups, it can now refer to any organization that breaks away from a larger one to follow a different set of rules and principles.

124140

Hell . Sects . Sunni-Shi'a

Some people say that Shia will go to hell and they say that Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) said that out of 73 sects only one sect will go to paradise. Is this true?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 8 months ago

Shia Muslims are the real followers of the authentic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and they will be going with him where ever he goes. The Prophet himself called his most pious followers as Shia of Ali as you see many Sunni books like:1. Shawaahid Al-Tanzeel by al-Hasakaani, V. 2, P. 66.

2. Al-Durr Al-Manthour by al-Siyooti, V.6, P. 379.

3. Yanabee' al-Mawaddah by al-Qandouzi Al-Hanafi, P.62.

4. Al-Manaaqib by al-Khawarizmi , P. 187.

5. Al-Sawa'iq al-Mohriqa by Ibn Hajar , P. 96.

6. Tafseer Al-Tabari, V.3, P. 146.

7. Tathkirat Al-Khawaass by Ibn Al-Jawzi, P.18.

8. Fat-h al-Qadeer by al-Shawkani, V.5, P.477.

and many other Sunni books.

Wassalam.

122953

Muslims . Sects . God (Allah)

Why do Muslims separate into different sects and identify themselves in sectarian terms when Allah (swt) says not to do so?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answered 1 year ago

Most Muslims who follow a specific sect or ideology do so because they genuinely believe it is the correct one. Since we do not have the Prophet (S) here present with us today to tell us which beliefs and practices are the most authentic, everyone has to do their best to try to discover that. So it is less about making sects and more about following what one thinks is most true.

(Of course, what we consider to be true or authentic is strongly influenced by the ideas we live around or grow up around, the ones that are shared by people around us, etc. However, the sincerity is usually there.)

For that reason, it isn't possible to impose one view of what Islam "is" on all Muslims and expect them all to agree on it. There are some areas today where we just have to agree to disagree.

Of course, in some cases, sectarianism may also be due to other factors such as politics, national identity, racial factors, or personal agendas, as well as the influence of Shaytan, and this sort of thing would be condemned.

72572

Sects . Salah (Prayers) . Qabd al-yadayn

Where did the confusion of praying with hands open and hands closed arise? Why did different sects have different interpretations of praying postures?

Abolfazl Sabouri, Abolfazl Sabouri is based in New Zealand and has an MA in Jurisprudence and Islamic Studies. He is a graduate of Elmiyeh seminary in Qom with more than 15 years of study and research where he has... Answer updated 2 years ago

It is because of different ahadith.

The position of the hand in prayer may not be very important, but a scholar must determine who he should refer to after the demise of Prophet to receive the his Sunnah, and he should know that who is his Ulolamr. Should he refer to the Ahl al-Bayt or he can refer to the companions of the Prophet, even though some of them, they don't know deeply about Islam?

The followers of Ahlulbeit are called Shia and the followers of companions are called Sonni.

74901

Ummah . Paradise . Sects

Is this an authentic Hadith from the Prophet (pbuh) that says that the Ummah will be divided into 73 groups and only one group will enter paradise, those who follow the Jama'ah of the Muslims?

The Hadeeth which is narrated in Shia and Sunni books is (My Ummah will be divided in to seventy three sects). The additional words which you quoted are not authentic. Obviously, the followers of the Quran and the Progeny of the Prophet (SAWA) will be saved because they are the real followers of the Prophet (SAWA).

Wassalam.

89781

Sects . Hadith . Sunni-Shi'a

Sunnis and Shias have differing definitions and opinions on which hadiths are authentic and which hadiths should be regarded as unreliable. Where do these differences come from and why is it that the two sects differ so greatly on this subject?

1. Both Shia and Sunni scholars emphasised on the authenticity of all the narrators of every Hadeeth, but they differ when they come across some narrators who are controversial e.g. Abu Huraira, Samarah Ibn Jundob, etc who are considered as accepted by many Sunnis while not accepted by Shia scholars because of their behaviour against Ahlul Bayt(AS).
2. Shia scholars follow the most strict procedure of authentication of every narrator whether Shia or Sunni.

3. Shia scholars take Ahlul Bayt as the main source of the authentic Hadeeths from the Prophet (SAWA) not only because they are the most pious and most knowledgeable about the Real Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWA) as they lived with him, but also because of the order of the Prophet (SAWA) to all Muslims to keep following Quran and Ahlul Bayt (SAWA) (Saheeh Muslim, Hadeeth number 4425, and Tirmithi; Hadeeth number 3718 and 3720, and al-Mustadrak by Al-Haakim al-Nisabori; Hadeeth number 4576 and hundreds of other Sunni and Shia books.
4. Shia scholars have written the Hadeeths right from the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and through the times of all the Infallible Imams (AS), while Sunni scholars were forbidden by their rulers from writing any Prophetic Hadeeth from the time of Saqeefa till the time of Umar ibn Abdul Azeez who was first Sunni ruler who lifted tha ban on writing Hadeeths, which means that Sunni scholars did not write Hadeeths for around hundred years. That has definitely affected the authenticity and the accuracy of their narrations.

5. Sunni rulers used to interfere in religion to suit their political aims. Mu'awiyah for example used to pay huge amounts of money to some narrators to fabricate narrations in his favour and against Ahlul Bayt (AS). He used to kill or torture scholars who narrate any Hadeeth in favour of Imam Ali (AS). This corruption went on during tyrant governments of Bani Umayyad and Bani Abbas. Shia Hadeeths since beginning till now are pure from any political corruption.

6. Shia scholars following the teachings of Ahlul Bayt(AS) do not accept any narration which contradicts Quran, while you find many Sunni scholars narrate narration which are clearly against Quranic verses and claim than authentic narration is accepted even if it contradicts a Quranic verse. For details you may see ( A review of the two Saheeh ( Bukhari and Muslim) by Shaikh Sadiq Najmi and ( (Quick look at the two Saheehs, by Shaikh Aasif Mohsini and many other books in this subject).

7. Many Sunni books narrated from open enemies of Ahlul Bayt and considered their narrations as authentic. Bukhari narrated from Imran Ibn Hattaan who used to praise Ibn Muljam, the murderer of Imam Ali (AS), and also from Uthman ibn Hareez who used to openly curse Imam Ali every day. This shows that some non trusted narrators have penetrated in some Sunni books and taken as trusted narrators. This has added to the difference between Muslims.

Wassalam.

86833

Ummah . Sects . Paradise . Hadith

There is a famous narration attributed to the Prophet (SAWW) where he said that the Ummah will be divided into seventy-three sects, one of which will be in Paradise and seventy-two will be in the Fire. What is the authenticity of this narration?

There are many narrations in Sunni and Shia books regarding the 73 sects, but most of the narrations have additions which are not authentic especially what is in some Sunni books that the saved sect will be those who follow me and my companions ما أنا عليه وأصحابي. Leading Sunni Ulama stated that this narration is fabricated.

Our Shia Ulama narrated many narrations about the 73 sects as find in Bisharat Al-Mustafa narrated from Ameerul Mo'mineen (AS) which states that saved sect will be those who follow the real successor of the Prophet (SAWA).

This narration does not mean that all Muslim sects will be in hellfire except one sect, but means that there will be right sect despite of the different sects. The followers of the right sect will be saved because there have obeyed the orders of Allah (SWT) and the Prophet (SAWA).

Wassalam.

74898

Sects . Sunni-Shi'a . Qur'an

What should we say to people who claim that the term Shia means a sect in Islam and that the Qur'an has forbidden all sects?

Such claims come from those who try to play mischief with the meanings of Quranic verses. Shia Islam is not a sect but the real following of the Prophet and his Progeny. Allah (SWT) has granted His prophet Ebrahim (AS) with the title of Shia in Quran (Sura Al-Saffaat: 83).وان من شيعته لابراهيم

Allah (SWT) called the followers of the prophets as his Shia as we read when a follower of Moosa (AS) was in conflict with one of his enemy

هذا من شيعته وهذا من عدوه

فاستغاثه الذي من شيعته على الذي من عدوه (Sura Al-Qasas: 15).

Shia of Ali (AS) are the followers of Ali (AS) who are in fact the real followers of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA). The most pious companions of the Prophet (SAWA) were called Shia of Ali like Salman, Abu Tharr, Ammar, Miqdad and others. That is why you find many Hadeeths in Sunni books from the Prophet praising the Shia and saying that they will be in Paradise (Al-Haafidh Al-Tabaraani in Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabeer 1:320) and (Al-Haythami in Majma' Al-Zawaa'id 9:131) and (Jawaahir Al-'qdain by al-Samhoodi 294) and (Kanz al-Ommal 12:104) and Al-Salihi al-Shaami in Sobol Al-Hoda Wal Rashaad 7:11).

There are also many Hadeeths in Sunni books that Shia of Ali are the best of all creatures. In Tafseer al-Tabari 30:335 a Hadeeth narrated from the Prophet (SAWA) : Ali and his Shia are the best of all creatures.

Same Hadeeth ( Ali and his Shia are the best of all creatures) is also narrated by Al-Haakim Al-Hasakaani in Shawaahid Al-Tanzeel 2:353 and Soyooti in Al-Durr Al-Manthoor 6:376.

Wassalam.

70303

Sunni . Sects . Sunni-Shi'a

When did Sunni and Shia sects come into existence?

Sunni sects are four:

1. Hanafi Sunnis who follow Abu Hanifa Ibn No'maan who was born on year 80 after Hijra, after 70 years of the passing away of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and died on 150 after Hijra.

2. Shafi'ee Sunnis who follow Mohammad Ibn Edrees al-Shafi'ee who was born on year 150 after Hijra and passed away on 204 after Hijra.

3. Maliki Sunnis who follow Malik Ibn Anas who was born in 93 Hijri and passed away on 179 Hijri in Madinah.

4. Hanbali Sunnis who follow Ahmad Ibn Hanbal who was born in 164 Hijri and passed away on 241 Hijri.

Shia follow Ahlul Bayt who are Imam Ali, Fatimah, Imam Hasan, Imam Husain who lived with the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA). Then the 9 Imams from the kinship of Imam Husain (AS).
Shia is not a sect but a title which is used in Quran for the sincere followers ( Sura Al-Saffaat 83 and Sura Al-Qassas 15). The Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) gave the title of Shia of Ali to the most pious of his companion and most obedient Muslims ( Tafseer Al-Tabari, V.30, P. 335) and Shawaahid al-Tanzeel by al-Hasakaani 2: 353 and Tafseer al-Dorr al- Manthour by Al-Soyouti 6:379.

Shia believe and follow the Prophetic order to all Muslims to keep following Quran and Ahlul Bayt (AS) to be andbremain on the Right Path. This Hadeeth is authentic and narrated in Saheeh Muslim 4425, and Tirmithi 3718 and 3720 and in many authentic Sunni books.

Shia follows the Prophetic Hadeeth that the successors of the Prophet will be twelve. (Saheeh al-Bukhari 6682, al-Tareekh al-Kabeer by Al-Bukhari 8:410), Saheeh Muslim 3393, 3394, 3395, 3396 and many other important Sunni books.

Shia believe that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) `did not leave the Muslim Ummah unguided regarding the divine leaders of Muslims after him, but he clearly informed the Ummah and asked them to give allegiance to Imam Ali (AS) being the first successor of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).

Shia Muslims follow the Prophetic Sunnah of the Prophet which is Been narrated by the most authentic source who are Ahlul Bayt (AS) and their pious followers.

The main difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims are in two issues: First : Who succeeds the Prophet in leading and guiding the Muslim Ummah?

Second: From where we should get the prophetic teachings ( Sunnah and Quranic meanings) after the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).

Most of the tyrant governments like Bani Omayyah and Bani Abbas till today are against Shia Islam and played big role in defaming Shia Islam and spreading false propaganda against Shia.
Shia Muslims present evidence that they are following the original teachings of the Prophet (SAWA) not only from their books but also from the Sunni books and always call and practice dialogue.

You can find more details on this subject in many books written by ex Sunni scholars who reached to the reality of Shia Islam through scientific research like books of Dr Tijani and other scholars which can be seen in www.aqaid.com and www.al-Islam.org and many other websites.

Wassalam.

62864

Sects . Imamah . Takfir

Can we say and prove that the 12 Imams were divinely appointed? If so, then why cannot other sects, who deny this matter, be called Kafir as a result of rejecting this divine appointment?

Zoheir Ali Esmail, Shaykh Zoheir Ali Esmail has a Bsc in Accounting and Finance from the LSE in London, and an MA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University. He studied Arabic at Damascus University and holds a PhD... Answered 3 years ago

Bismillah

By testifying that there is no God but Allah and the Muhammad (saw) is the messenger of Allah a person enters the fold of Islam and cannot be classified as a Kafir, even if they do not agree with the issue of Imamah despite clear proofs and evidence.

May you always be successful

59899

Muslims . Sects . Ummah . Qur'an . Sunni-Shi'a

I understand that the Qur'an does not make any mention of either Shia or Sunni and warns the Muslims against dividing into sects. If that is correct then how come the Islamic Ummah has got divided into these two broad sects?

Rebecca Masterton, Dr Rebecca Masterton graduated with a BA in Japanese Language and Literature; an MA in Comparative East Asian and African Literature and a PhD in Islamic literature of West Africa. She has been... Answered 3 years ago

There are narrations in both Sunni and Shi'i collections that say that this ummah will divide into seventy-three sects, with only one being saved, i.e. 'the jama'a'. This has been interpreted to mean 'the majority' by Sunni scholars, whereas Imam 'Ali (as) has said that 'the jama'a' are those who follow the truth, even if they are few. This means that, even among the Shi'a, not all will necessarily be among the jama'a. Imam al-Baqir (as) has said 'the fitna is inevitable'. The Qur'an talks about previous generations that attacked their prophets and became divided over their message. There are many reasons for divisions to occur, but one key reason seems to have been for the Arabs to overcome their tribal pride and accept Imam 'Ali (as) as the successor. The Jews and Christians also hid parts of their prophets' messages or changed them, because they thought that their worldly position was jeopardised by challenging aspects of these messages. People are often happy to accept the message as long as they can maintain their worldly status and comforts.

58274

Sects . Sunni-Shi'a

Are the narrations authentic that talk of the creation of 73 sects in Islam out of which all but one will be condemned to hellfire? If so, in which place are the Shia and Sunni in those 73 sects?

The Hadeeth of 73 sects within the Muslim Ummah is narrated in main Sunni books of Hadeeth such as :

Sunan Abi Dawood 3/896

Saheeh al-Jaami’ Al-Sagheer by Soyooti 1/156

Ibn Maajah

Ahmad Bin Hanbal

Al-Haytami

ibn Hajar al-Asqalaani

Ibn Taymiyyah, The God father of Wahhabism and most of terrorist groups stated in his book Majmoo’ Al-Fataawa 3/345 that this Hadeeth of the 73 sect is agreed upon among the scholars that it is authentic.

It is also narrated in our Shia books from Ameerul Mo’mineen (AS).

We find in many books of different Sunni and Salafi books hot arguments between them as every sect wants to exclude other sects from the ( Saved group الفرقة الناجية)

We believe that the saved group is those who really follow the Prophet (SAWA) in all his orders specially his main order to all Muslims ( I am leaving among you two most important things, you will never go astray as far as you follow both of them; the book of Allah, and my Progeny Ahlul Bayt)( Saheeh Sunan al- Tirmithi, Hadeeth number 3788, Musnad Ahmad Bin Hanbal published by al-Arna’oot, Hadeeth number 11104, al-Mustadral Ala-Saheehain by al-Hakim al- Neesaboori 3/148 and many other Sunni references).

Shia Muslims follow Quran and Ahlul Bayt in each and every matter of religion.

Having said that, we believe that all Muslim sects are Muslim as the Hadeeth itself says: My Ummah will be divided into seventy three sects. Which means that all of them are Muslims, but those who really follow Quran and Ahlul Bayt are the winners in the Paradise.

Wassalam

48235

Sufism . Islam . Sects

Had Sufism already been established in the true teachings of Islam way back before the different sects were broken off and that we observe in this current age?

Until around the time of Imam al-Sadiq (as), the term 'Sufi' was not in regular use, and the few that used it as an appellation were of the Mu'tazili and Imami schools, not the Sunni Ash'ari or Maturidi schools, which now dominate the Sufi scene.

Sufism is an amalgamation of Islamic ideas and practices and others that have been integrated into it from spiritual traditions that existed prior to Islam expanding into wider territories.

I have written a paper on this in more detail, if you are interested. Please write to me at r.masterton@onlineshiasudies.com and I can send it to you.