Islam and Sect
In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned that the Muslim ummah would divide into 73 sects – but only one would be on the correct path. That path is not labeled by man-made names, ideologies, or groups. It is simply: the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah, Today, names like Wahhabi, Deobandi, Barelvi, Salafi, Sufi, Shia, Sunni, and others are commonly used – but none of these names were used by the Prophet ﷺ or the Companions. These are later human inventions. While some of these groups emerged as efforts to preserve knowledge, reform society, or respond to colonial influence, over time they became divisions, labels, and tools of politics and disunity.
- Islam is not Wahhabism.
- Islam is not Barelvism.
- Islam is not Deobandism.
- Islam is not Salafism.
- Islam is not Shiaism.
- Islam is not even “Sunnism” as a new brand.
Islam is just: submission to Allah through what was revealed in the Qur’an and explained by the Prophet ﷺ in authentic hadith.
What About Sunni? Isn’t That Islam?
The term “Sunni” came from “Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah” – meaning those who follow the Sunnah and remain united with the main body of Muslims. While it refers to following hadith, it was never meant to become a title to divide. Using the term is not forbidden, but Islam itself is the name Allah gave this religion, and that is sufficient.
Are These Sects All Misguided?
Some groups may follow the Qur’an and Sunnah more correctly than others, but once group identity becomes more important than Islamic unity, it becomes a problem. Just like in a school – class 1 and class 2 students may differ in knowledge, but they’re all part of the same school. However, once the class becomes a separate identity, division starts, Many groups were formed during a time when society lacked access to mass communication and scholars were few. In those days, movements helped people learn. But in modern times, many of these groups are used for politics, division, and power – not truth.
What Should Muslims Do Today?
- Follow the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith.
- Respect scholars, but don’t treat them as infallible.
- Don’t blindly follow sectarian groups.
- Avoid labelling yourself with man-made titles.
- Prioritize unity based on truth, not group loyalty.
- Always return to the Prophet’s example.
📖Quran 6:159
Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects—you, [O Muhammad], are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only [left] to Allah; then He will inform them about what they used to do.
This verse is not only about sects among Muslims but also about Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and all others who today do not believe in Islam. Their forefathers were Muslims, but they divided, so it applies to them too. It also applies among Muslims who have become divided and use different names.
Warning Against Seventy-Three Sects
📖Sunan Abi Dawud 4596
Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The Jews were split up into seventy-one or seventy-two sects; and the Christians were split up into seventy one or seventy-two sects; and my community will be split up into seventy-three sects.
This Hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud 4596 states that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prophesied the splitting of his community into seventy-three sects. This Hadith serves as a warning about the divisions that would arise among Muslims in the future. It highlights the importance of being aware of these sects and adhering to the teachings and principles of the Prophet Muhammad. This isn’t as if God is forcing you to be divided, but rather, it is you who are acting against God and His Prophet. This Hadith was an advance warning because the Prophet was inspired by God, so he knew the future. God, has seen the future, inspired this to Prophet Muhammad, that the community would be led by liars in different sects. The Prophet already warned us, so we should not follow any of these sects.
To further emphasize the significance of following the Prophet’s teachings, I can provide additional references:
- Sahih Muslim 2531: This Hadith narrated by Abu Burda states that the Prophet Muhammad led his companions in prayer, and they expressed their desire to continue praying with him. The Prophet acknowledged their good intentions and, while looking at the sky, made a comparison between the stars providing security to the sky and himself being a source of safety and security to his companions. He mentioned that when he would be gone, his companions would serve as a source of security for the Ummah (Muslim community), as they were promised.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3606: In this Hadith narrated by Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman, he asked the Prophet Muhammad about the possibility of evil after the present good. The Prophet confirmed the occurrence of future evil and described that there would be people who deviate from his teachings and lead others astray. He mentioned that these individuals would be from within the Muslim community and speak the same language. Hudhaifa inquired about the course of action in such circumstances, and the Prophet advised him to adhere to the group of Muslims and their leader. In the absence of a specific group or leader, he instructed to distance oneself from all the different sects, even if it meant isolating oneself until meeting Allah in that state.
These references demonstrate the importance of following the Prophet Muhammad’s example and guidance through the actions of his companions. They serve as a reminder to seek unity within the Muslim community, adhere to the teachings of the Prophet, and avoid divisive sects or groups that deviate from his tradition. By following the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad and his companions, Muslims can strive for unity, sound guidance, and the preservation of the true teachings of Islam.
Prophetic Warning, Not a Command
The hadith about the division into 73 sects is a prophetic warning from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ – not a command or encouragement to divide. He foretold that the Ummah would split into seventy-three groups, all except one would be in the Fire. When asked which group would be saved, he replied:
“The one that follows what I and my companions are upon.”
The Path of Salvation
- This means the saved group is not defined by sectarian identity, political allegiance, or group loyalty — but by following the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah as practiced by the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.
Misuse of the Hadith
This hadith should not be misused to declare every Muslim in other sects as destined for Hell. The meaning is deeper and more precise.
A person who sincerely believes in:
- Allah
- His Angels
- His Books
- His Prophets
- The Day of Judgment
- Divine Destiny
and performs the five pillars of Islam, is still a Muslim – even if they were raised in a sect unknowingly, thinking it was Islam.
📖Quran 33:5
“There is no blame upon you for that in which you were mistaken, but only for what your hearts intended. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
If someone follows a sect out of ignorance, unaware of its flaws, Allah may not punish them. The blame falls only when someone knowingly chooses division after recognizing the truth.
Man-Made Labels
Groups like Sunni, Salafi, Deobandi, Wahhabi, Barelvi, Shia – are all human-made categories. They were not revealed by Allah, and they are not part of the original message of Islam.
Historical Role vs. Modern Harm
While these all sects and groups may have historically helped organize scholarship or society, they originally emerged in less developed times where people built them honestly, like one saying “we understand up to class 1” and another saying “we understand up to class 2” not as sins or paths to Hell, but as sincere efforts to explain Islam better; people followed them thinking they were learning deeper knowledge, so they are not to blame if they followed with honesty, but those who knowingly invent or promote these sects today, despite knowing Islam is one path (Qur’an and Sunnah), will face punishment, not the ones who followed the core beliefs shared across Sunni and Shia Islam (despite some issues in Shia belief which originated early with historical reasons, unlike later Sunni divisions); and now that we are clarifying these sects and groups are not necessary, anyone who knowingly chooses sectarianism over Islam is on a path that may lead to Hell.
Islam Is Already Complete
Islam does not need labels. Anyone who follows the Qur’an and Sunnah is a Muslim, The term “Sunni” comes from “Sunnah,” but it’s not required, and it should never become an identity above being Muslim.
📖Quran 3:19
Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except out of jealous animosity after knowledge had come to them…
📖Quran 22:78
“It is He who named you Muslims before and in this [revelation].
📖Quran 22:78
And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any hardship. It is the religion of your father Abraham. He (Allah) named you Muslims before [in former scriptures] and in this [Qur’an], that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer, give zakah, and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector, and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.
- Islam is the religion revealed by Allah, meaning “submission to the will of Allah.”
- Muslim is the one who submits to Allah by following Islam – the believer.
Both terms are approved by Allah and mentioned in the Qur’an. They are not man-made labels, but divinely chosen.
The Danger of Knowing, Yet Dividing
But if someone knows the truth, understands that sects are forbidden, and still defends or promotes them – then they fall under the danger described in the hadith, This is a deliberate act, not mere association.
The Saved Group
The saved group is not defined by:
- A label
- A country
- A scholar
- A group or organization
It is defined by pure adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah, free from innovation, division, and group worship.
Rejecting Sectarianism
Avoid all these sects if you know they mislead people or cause division; call yourself only what Allah called you – Muslim, and say “my religion is Islam” – and if you must clarify, say you follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, but never attach yourself to any man-made group.
- Those who knowingly promote sectarianism after realizing its falsehood will be accountable before Allah, But those who sincerely worship Allah, follow the Qur’an and Sunnah, and avoid division, they are upon the saved path, regardless of who praises or blames them.
Additional Information
The Shia sect appeared in the early period of Islam, not as a separate, but due to political and emotional misunderstandings, especially around leadership after the death of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Their emergence was tied more to historical conflicts than to foundational disagreements with Islam itself, Over time, their beliefs and practices developed into a distinct sect. While there are certainly differences, it’s not our job to judge individuals. Some may follow these paths with sincerity or due to lack of deeper understanding. Let them choose their path, and leave the judgment to Allah, It’s best to focus on the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah without getting lost in debates or trying to label others. Arguing constantly or trying to force one’s view often leads to arrogance and division, the very thing Islam warns against.