• The Groups & Sects

    148 entries

It is not Islam that is divided into sects, rather it is the people who differ, deviated from the Sunnah (way) of their Prophet and deviated from the authentic teachings of Islam. Nevertheless salvation belongs to only one sect: It was narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “My ummah will split into seventy-three sects, one of which will be in Paradise and seventy-two in Hell.” It was said: O Messenger of Allah, who are they? He said: “The jama'ah (the main body of the Muslims).” and according to another hadith: “[Those who follow] the path which I and my Companions follow.”

Read also: The Hadith on splitting of this Ummah into seventy-three sects

Salafism (Arabic: al-Salafiyyah) is not one of the sects into which the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has been divided, because Salafism means following the way of the Salaf. The term 'Salaf' refers to early Muslims who were Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, at-Tabi‘un (the generation after the Companions of the Prophetﷺ) and Tabi‘ at-Tabi‘un (the generation after the Tabi‘un). These early Muslims known as salaf as-salih (pious predecessors) based on the Prophet’s saying: "The best of people is my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them." [Bukhari and Muslim]. They are the ones whom Allah pleased in the Qur'an: "The first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirin (those who migrated from Makkah to al-Madinah in obedience to Allah) and the Ansar (the citizens of al-Madinah who gave aid to the Muhajirin), and also those who follow them in the best way; Allah is well pleased with them, and they are with Him." [Qur'an, At-Tawbah 9:100].

The ruling on one who say that The Prophet ﷺ betrayed the trust

Has the one disbelieved who says that ‘the Prophet ﷺ betrayed the trust or deceived ‘Ali and that...

It is impermissible for a Muslim to elect a communist

Is it permissible for a Muslim to vote in municipal elections for a communist or someone who mocks...

Is it permissible for a Muslim to support communists?

Is it permissible for a Muslim to become acquainted with communists and support them? What is the ruling...

The Quran is the Word of Allah and is not created

What is the difference between one who says: “My articulation of the Qur’an is created” and one who...

Is the Qur'an created?

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal stated in his book [As-Sunnah]: “The Qur’an is the Words of Allah, not created....

The ruling on political and religious parties Hizb ut-Tahrir and the Ikhwanul-Muslimin

What is the ruling on political and religious parties, such as the Hizb ut-Tahrir and the Ikhwan-ul-Muslimin (the...

Ruling on those who speak ill of the Muslim rulers and the scholars

This one (the questioner) says: How should our stance be towards those who speak ill of the (Muslim)...

Refutation upon the followers of bid'ah and deviation

What do you say concerning the statement of the speaker: Indeed, the refutations upon the people of innovations...

The ideology of the Khawarij in present times

Are those who carry the ideology of the Khawaarij present today? Answer: Far removed is Allaah from...

Does rebellion against the rulers occur only by the sword or does it include slandering them?

Does rebellion against the rulers occur only by the sword or does it include slandering them, inciting the...

Ruling on the one who disobeys the rulers

What is the ruling regarding the one who disobeys the rulers or criticises them? Answer: Whoever disobeys...

Those who declare the Muslim rulers to be disbelievers are from the Khawarij

What is our position towards those who make takfeer of the Muslim rulers today, generally and in detail?...

Ruling on following the funeral of grave-worshippers

Allah (Exalted be He) says, “It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to ask...

Ruling on reciting the Qur'an over the dead for a fee

In Morocco, most of the memorizers of the Qur’an say supplications in behalf of some people in return...

Ruling on praying behind an imam from the bareilawi sect

What is the ruling on praying behind an imam from the bareilawi sect, who believes that the Prophet...

Who Are The Ikhwanul Muslimin

They are the followers of Hasan Al-Banna. There are several points to be noted about their methodology, the most important...

The Jama'ah Is What Conforms To The Truth Even If You Are Alone

There are some who say that the groups which we are commanded to shun in the hadith of...

Jama'at Al-Tabligh are Modern-Day Sufiyyah (Tasawwuf)

Jama’at at-Tabligh, for example, say: “We want to follow the methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah.” However some of...

It is not permissible to give the daughters of Sunni families in marriage to the sons of Shi’is or Communists

Allah decreed that a Kurdish man who claims to be a Sunni and is outwardly righteous should propose...

Rapprochement Between The Shi'ah And The Sunnis Is Not Possible

Rapprochement between the Rafidah and the Sunnis is not possible, because their beliefs are different. The belief of Ahl Al-Sunnah...

Ruling on a Muslim Marrying a Shi’i

We come from a tribe that lives on the northern borders [of Saudi Arabia], and we mix with tribes...

Ruling on Islamic Anasheed

What deserves attention also is: The tapes that are being increasingly circulated amongst the practicing youth in which anasheed done...

The Salaf warned against the story-tellers

The Salaf have mentioned the story-tellers (qassas) in the past and condemned them. What is their method and what...

The differences between the Ahl-ul-Sunnah and Shiites

We are in urgent need of information about the differences between the Ahl-ul-Sunnah (adherents to the Sunnah) and Shiites....

The Qarmatians and Al-Batiniyyah

What is your opinion regarding the Qarmatians and Al-Batiniyyah? Are they considered Islamic sects or Kafir (disbelieving) ones? Please...

Tawhid-ul-Rububiyyah is denied only by deviated people

As the communists and atheists of today deny Allah’s Existence, is this not considered a denial of Tawhid-ul-Rububiyyah...

Ruling on saying Allah is Omnipresent

What is the ruling on saying that Allah (Glorified be He) exists everywhere? Answer: Saying that Allah...

Who are the Magians of this Ummah?

Who are the Magians of this Ummah, Shaykh Abdul-Aziz ? Answer: They are the denying Qadariyyah who...

False Karamahs

It is said that there are chosen men who can perform extraordinary events such as coming to perform Hajj...

Quburiyyun (grave worshippers)

It is said that the early Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity or worship)...

Ruling on following Sufi Shaykhs

A Sudanese person living in Al-Anbar says: In our country we have various sects. Each sect follows a certain...

Ruling on the view that not rebel against the ruler as a defeatist thinking which manifests weakness

Your Eminence, we know that this forms one of the foundational beliefs of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah (those adhering to the...

Ruling on Al-Mirghaniyyah or Al-Khatmiyyah Tariqah (Sufi order)

I am a monotheist but my household follow Al-Mirghaniyyah Tariqah (Sufi order) which is known here in Sudan...

Can a Muslim's ignorance of creed be excused?

In our country, the worship of graves is rampant; there are many advocates who claim that the worshippers of...

Ruling on joining religious parties

What do you advise preachers to do against the religious innovators? We would like you to direct special...

Each group claims to be the right group

Your Eminence, Fitnahs (temptations) have spread in the arena of Da’wah (calling to Islam) due to the presence...

The Hadith: 'All of them will be in Hellfire except one'

What is meant by the Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him) concerning the Ummah (nation) in which...

Answering a question presented by a Muslim brother on some issues of Bid'ah and Shirk

What is the religious ruling of Allah and His Messenger on a person who commits the following: During the...

We do not declare a Muslim as a disbeliever for committing a sin unless he believes it is lawful.

Some people ascribe the following saying of Salaf (righteous predecessor): “We do not declare a Muslim as a...

The Shari'ah ruling on Ghulam Ahmad Pervez

All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, and his family and Companions. I...

Darwinian Theory

We studied something about the theory of Evolution and all that relates to creation as this forms part...

Darwin's theory of evolution

There are some who claim that man was once an ape and then evolved. Is this correct, and...

Ruling on the call to rapprochement between religions

Is the call for rapprochement between religions (Islam - Christianity - Judaism) a legitimate one? Is it permissible...

A brief look at Babism and Bahaism and their hatred towards the Muslims

All Praise is due to Allah. May peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family and Companions....

Ruling on believing the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not have a shadow like ordinary human beings

In Pakistan, scholars of the Bareilwi Sufi order believe that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not...

Dealing with Sufi shaykhs and their followers

As a pioneer of the Salafiyyah Call (Da’wah) and the current Islamic awakening, what do you advise us concerning...

The Ruling on Tijaniyyah Sufi Order

We have so many followers of the Tijaniyyah (a deviant Sufi sect embracing strange beliefs far from Islam),...

Do the Al-Asha'irah belong to Ahl Al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah or not?

Do the Al-Asha’irah belong to Ahl Al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim community) or not?...

Refuting those who say that Allah dwells among His creatures

There are repeated questions about the claim that Allah (Glorified be He) dwells among His creatures and mingles with them....

There is no brotherhood between Muslims and Kafirs and the only true religion is Islam

All praise be to Allah Alone. May peace and blessings be upon the Last Prophet.In its issue no (3031), dated...

Who are Ahl Al-Sunnah wal Jama‘ah

What is the definition of the term “Ahl Al-Sunnah wal Jama‘ah”? Are the scholars of the Barelwi school...

Ruling on various Islamic movements

In Sudan, an Islamic Organization among the various movements of Sufism and Salafism has been established. This organization...

The Messenger (peace be upon him) did not stretch his hand from his grave to anyone

A brother from Dar’a, Syria asks: What is the correct opinion about the stories narrated from one of the...

Jama'at Al-Ahbash

Praise be to Allah Alone. Peace and blessings be upon the last Prophet, his family, and Companions. The Permanent Committee...

Jama'at-ul-Ahbash (the Habashis)

Praise be to Allah Alone. Peace and blessings be upon the last Prophet, his family, and Companions. The Permanent Committee...

Response to a letter from Shaykh Abdul-Rahman ibn Abdul-Khaliq and weak Hadith that support the demonstrations

From Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah ibn Baz to the honorable son Shaykh Abdul-Rahman ibn Abdul-Khaliq, may Allah guide him to do...

Comments on some books of Shaykh Abdul-Rahman ibn Abdul-Khaliq

From Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah ibn Baz to the honorable son Shaykh Abdul-Rahman ibn Abdul-Khaliq, may Allah guide him to...

What is the ruling on having multiple Islamic groups?

What is the ruling on having multiple Islamic groups? If I am convinced with the ideas of a...

The Hadith on splitting of this Ummah into seventy-three sects

I read a Hadith mentioned by the Shaykh of Islam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhab, in his book entitled “Mukhtasar...

Ruling on believing in Al-Shadhiliyyah order

There is a Sufi order called “Al-Shadhiliyyah”. Its members do not perform Salah (prayer), nor Sawm (fasting), nor...

Obligation of Hajj even in the company the followers of Bid'ah

We would like to inform you that many of our Sunni Muslim brothers who live on the Persian...

Ruling on denying the Hadiths of the Messenger (peace be upon him)

What do you say about the people who deny the Hadiths of the Messenger (peace be upon him)?...

Jesus was no more than a Messenger of Allah

This question includes Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) which the Qadianis (a deviant sect) quote as evidence for their opinion....

The life of Jesus, his descent, destroying the cross, killing pigs and calling to the truth

Is Prophet ‘Isa (peace be upon him) still alive until now? Did he die like other prophets? What...

Sufi belief in Al-Khadir

In several Islamic countries many Muslims, as well as Sufi leaders think that Al-Khadir, the man Allah directed...

Deceitful acts of dervishes

What is the ruling on people who call themselves “dervish” who stab themselves with daggers and knives and do...

Shaykh Ibn Baz on Islamic unity, Sufi groups, spread of Bid'ahs and misguidance, and the duties of Ahl-us-Sunnah towards them

Al-Tadamun Al-Islami Magazine had the honor of making interview with His Excellency, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Aziz ibn ‘Abdullah ibn Baz, Chairman of...

Muslim world has corrupt in Aqidah

Our Shaykh, it becomes evident through messages sent to this program that our Muslim world is full of...

Ruling on offering Salah behind a man who opposes Ahl Al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah such as Al-Ash'ari and the like

Is it permissible to offer Salah behind a man believing in a doctrine different from Ahl Al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah such...

Committing major sins affects one's faith

What is the ruling on committing sins, particularly major sins? Does this affect one’s faith? Answer: Yes,...

Issue On Visiting Graveyards

Dear Shaykh, Common people from among the Sufis attend the celebration of the Prophet’s birth, believing that these...

People of Bid'ah are not of Al-Firqah Al-Najiyah

Is a Mubtadi’ (one who introduces innovations in religion) excluded from the Al-Firqah Al-Najiyah (the Saved Sect) and...

Ruling on Khalwatiyyah Tariqah

I am a follower of a Khalwati Shaykh and I am quite sure that he is a good...

Ruling on excusing grave worshippers

Are those who worship graves excused because of their ignorance, even though among them are people calling to...

Ruling on sufis who stab themselves with daggers and knives and other tools

What is your opinion regarding those who call themselves dervish and stab themselves with daggers and knives and other...

On false statement: 'Anyone who does not have a shaykh, his shaykh will be the devil'

This questioner from Cairo asks a long question: Your Eminence Shaykh, is it obligatory to have a mediator...

Who are the Sufis?

Who are the Sufi people and what is the position of Islam regarding them? May Allah reward you...

Ruling on Rifaiyyah Tariqah Sufi order

I often hear that someone has joined a Sufi order led by some masters or some shaykhs. After...

Ruling on carrying flags for Awliya

During festivals some people carry colorful flags bearing some Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) and expressions; for example, the magnate,...

Statement on the sect of Asha'irah

Is the sect of Asha’irah (a Muslim group that bases its creedal issues on logic) part of Ahl-ul-Sunnah...

Revealing the misguidance of the Sufi scholar Ibn 'Arabi

A questioner from the Syrian Arab Republic asks: I am inquiring about Sufis and their reality and superstitions,...

Exposing Sufi orders

Are all Sufi orders wrong? Please give me a decisive answer, may Allah reward you. Answer: Sufi...

The Magi of the Muslim Ummah are Al-Qadariyyah

Many people engage in false conversations about Predestination and Divine Decree. Do you have any instructions in this regard?...

The ruling on Al-Ikhwan-ul-Muslimun (the Muslim Brotherhood) group

What is the ruling on Al-Ikhwan-ul-Muslimun (the Muslim Brotherhood) group? Are they adherents of Bid’ah (innovation in religion) or...

Do Awliya’ have authority over anyone?

I hear and see with my own eyes, that people say that Awliya’ (pious people) have authority over...

Ruling on the Wirds of Al-Tijaniyyah, Al-Qadiriyyah and others

What is the ruling on the Wird (sayings recited with consistency) of the Tijaniyyah, Qadiriyyah and other Sufi Tariqahs...

Ruling on the recitation of Al-Tijaniyyah and Al-Qadiriyyah and praying behind their followers

What is the ruling on reciting the utterances said on a regular basis by Al-Tijaniyyah and Al-Qadiriyyah Tariqahs (Sufi...

Ruling on reading the virtues of Shaykh Abdul-Qadir

What is the ruling concerning gathering one’s neighbors to read the virtues of Shaykh Abdul-Qadir, believing that this leads...

Ruling on Masjid controlled by Al-Tijaniyyah followers

There is a village with a relatively large population. It has a spacious Masjid (mosque) where a group of...

Ruling on the Imamate of a follower of Al-Tijaniyyah tariqah (sufi order) and praying behind them

In our village, there is an Imam who follows Al-Tijaniyyah Tariqah (Sufi order). The followers of this Tariqah receive...

Exaggeration of the Qadiriyyah order

The questioner would like to be given a general idea about the Qadiriyyah Tariqah (Sufi order). He read one...

Ruling on Naqshabandiyyah Order

I am seeking knowledge and Iman (Faith) that may please Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). Which...

Al-Tijaniyyah is one of the most disbelieving and misguided tariqahs (sufi orders)

What is your opinion concerning Al-Tijaniyyah Tariqah (Sufi order) and seeing the Prophet (peace be upon him) in wakefulness?...

Ruling on Al-Mahdiyyah Tariqah (Sufi order)

There is a Sufi Order called “Al-Ansar” (the followers of Al-Mahdy) which is widespread in Western Sudan. The supporters...

Ruling on Al-Habriyyah tariqah

What is the Shari’ah ruling on the two Tariqahs (Sufi orders) that are prevalent in Algeria called Al-Habriyyun. They...

Ruling on Al-Burhamiyyah Tariqah

We trust Your Eminence and have confidence in your Fatwa; therefore, we wish that Your Eminence will read...

The creed of Barelwiyyah (Barelvis) Sufi Order

In Pakistan, there is an order known as the Barelvis (Bareilwi) or the order of Nawary, as named...

Scholars' books on Shiite 'Aqidah and their details

What is the Shiite ‘Aqidah (creed)? Please clarify as much as possible. Answer: Shiites have numerous sects, some are...

Ruling on the present Shiites

Are all the present Shiites Kafirs (disbelievers) or just their Imams? Answer: Shiites nowadays have many sects. For more...

Ruling on marrying from those who invoke Al-Hasan, Al-Husayn and 'Aly apart from Allah

We are from a tribe living on the northern borders (of Saudi Arabia), and we mix with tribes from...

Ruling on the followers of Al-Imamiyyah

What is the ruling on the followers of Al-Imamiyyah Al-Ithna ‘Ashriyyah (the Twelve Imami Shi’ites), which is one of...

Ruling on eating animals slaughtered by Ja'faris Shi'ah

The person asking this question along with a group of people live at the northern borders close to the...

Ruling on claiming that 'Ali is ranked as a prophet and Jibril made a mistake

What is the ruling on Shiites especially those who say that ‘Ali is ranked as a prophet and that...

Ruling on Imamite Shi'ah sect in Islam and its origin

Is Imamite Shi’ah an Islamic sect? Who is the founder? In fact, the Shi’ah claim their sect is traceable...

The difference between Sunnis and Shi'ah

Please clarify the differences between Sunnis and Shi’ah (Shi’ites) Which of them is the closest to the Sunnah? Answer:...

Dawoodi Bohras

The chief scholar of Bohras urges his followers to prostrate before him each time they visit him. Was...

Dawoodi Bohras women kissing their leader's hands and feet and those of his family

It is a tradition for women to kiss the hands and feet of the leader of their sect. They...

Al-Batiniyyah

What is the view of Sunni scholars regarding Al-Isma’iliyyah and Agha Khani sects who live in many places and...

Al-Ibadiyyah

Is Al-Ibadiyyah regarded as one of the deviant sects of Al-Khawarij and is it permissible to pray behind them?...

Al-Khawarij

What is the meaning of the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): “During the last...

Ruling on honoring the people of Bid'ah

I would like to inform you that I work in the Province of Badr in Al-Madinah Al-Nabawiyyah. There,...

Ruling on buying books from Ibadiyyah sect

Is it permissible to do business with ibadiyyah? For example, I buy their good books and cassettes, should...

Ruling on befriending with those who worship the graves

There is no doubt regarding the Kufr (disbelief) of those who worship graves, pious people, including the Sahabah...

Ruling on book of Deobandi Jama'at Tabligh entitled 'Tablighi Nisab'

I am a Muslim man living in Britain and want to follow the way of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah (adherents to...

Ruling on joining Jama'at Tabligh

I joined this group and made use of the knowledge they provide. However, they observe some acts that are...

False story made by the Sufi Shaykh of Jama'at Tabligh

Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya Kandahlwi (a Deobandi scholar) is one of the most famous religious scholars in India and Pakistan,...

Advice to the Jama'at Tabligh and Al-Ikhwan Al-Muslimun

Someone asks about the Islamic groups such as Jama’at Tabligh and the Muslim Brotherhood Group (al-Ikhwan al-Muslimun). Are these...

A parents belong to Al-Rafidah (a Shiitic group)

A man’s parents belong to Al-Rafidah (a Shiitic group), how should he behave towards them? Answer: He should call...

Isma'ilism sect

The Isma’ilites get their name from their acceptance of Isma’il ibn Ja’far as the divinely appointed spiritual successor (Imam) to...

Difference between Ahlus-Sunnah and Shi'ah

What is the difference between Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream) and Shi’ah (Shi’ites)? Answer:...

Ba'ath Party

Are president of Iraq and members of the Ba’ath Party that he led considered Kafirs (disbelievers) or not? Answer:...

Is it true that Salafis are Khawarij?

What do you say to one who believes that the ‘Aqidah (creed) of Al-Khawarij followed the ‘Aqidah (creed)...

Refuting Darwin's theory that man evolved from an ape-like creature

It is well-known that some people think they were evolved from animals following Darwinism, what is the view...

Al-Ikhwan Al-Muslimun (the Muslim Brotherhood) group

Your Eminence, Al-Ikhwan Al-Muslimun (the Muslim Brotherhood; a political group also calling to Islam) Movement spread in the Kingdom...

Warning against Rashad Khalifa's denial of the Sunnah

All praise be to Allah. May peace and blessings be upon His Messenger and upon his family, Companions, and those...

On Habashi Sect

From ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Bin ‘Abdullah Ibn Baz to our dear respected brother, T.M. May Allah protect you. As-salamu ‘alaykum warahmatullah...

On Abdullah Al-Habashy

From Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah ibn Baz to our dear respected brother, T.M. May Allah protect you. As-salamu ‘alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh...

Why are the Sufis interested in pronouncing the name of Allah rather than referring to His Attributes

Why are the Sufis interested in pronouncing the name of Allah rather than referring to His Attributes?...

What is Sufism

What is Sufism? Does it pose a danger to one’s Islam? What is the ruling on keeping company with...

The pledge of Sufis

I was under age when I went to one of the shaykhs of the Sufi sects. I said to...

Tablighi Jama'at and offering Salah in Masjids containing graves

M.’A. From America says: I traveled with Jama’at Tabligh to India and Pakistan. We used to gather and pray...

Sufis who beat themselves with skewers

I know some people who call themselves shaykhs but they stab themselves with skewers etc. And ascribe fictitious things...

Sufi superstitions

The mentioned Imam says that one day Safi Al-Din ibn Ahmad passed along a road in that city and...

Status of the Sufi orders in Islam

I am forwarding to you this message that was sent to me by a woman who says her...

The pledge taken from a Sufi Shaykh

What is the ruling of Islam on the pledge that we make to the shaykh of a Tariqah (Sufi...

Origin and the creeds of Sufism

I ask your eminence to reply to us in short about Sufism and Sufis; what is Sufism, their ‘Aqidah...

Misguidance of all Sufis

I read in a book entitled “Hadhihi Al-Sufiyyah (This is Sufism)” that Sufism is a deviant Islamic sect that...

Ruling on kissing the hands and feet of the Sufi Shaykh

Some followers of a certain Tariqah (Sufi order) kiss the hands and feet of their shaykh and put their...

The followers of Sufism stance on their shaykhs

Some ignorant Sufis follow their Shaykhs in their error and immorality. The Sufi before his Shaykh is like a...

The beggar sufis sect

An inquirer from Syria says: We have some people who claim that they are the children of Shaykh ‘Isa...

Sufi orders, litanies, and Adhkar

What is the ruling on the Sufi orders and the litanies they recite before the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer and...

What is the ruling of Islam on the Sufi orders that exist today

What is the ruling of Islam on the Sufi orders that exist today? Answer: Working according to Bid’ahs (innovations...

Sufism and their false ancriptions

The Problem of Sufism: What does it mean and what is the attitude of Islam toward it? I mean...