السبت، 23 مارس 2013
When all the Muslim follow one and the same Qur’an then why are there so many sects among Muslims?
Status Update
By Islamic Research Foundation / Dr.Zakir Naik / IRF
Question:
When all the Muslim follow one and the same Qur’an then why are there so many sects among Muslims?
Answer:
1. Muslims should be united
It is a fact that Muslims today, are divided amongst themselves. The tragedy is that such divisions are not endorsed by Islam at all. Islam believes in fostering unity amongst its followers.
The Glorious Qur’an says:
“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves;”
[Al Qur’an 3:103]
Which is the rope of Allah that is being referred to in this verse? It is the Glorious Qur’an. The Glorious Qur’an is the rope of Allah which all Muslims should hold fast together. There is double emphasis in this verse. Besides saying ‘hold fast all together’ it also says, ‘be not divided’.
The Qur’an further says:
“Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger”
[Al Qur’an 4:59]
All the Muslims should follow the Qur’an and authentic ahadith and be not divided among themselves.
2. It is prohibited to make sects and divisions in Islam
The Glorious Qur’an says:
“As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: Their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.”
[Al Qur’an 6:159]
In this verse Allah (swt) says that one should disassociate oneself from those who divide their religion and break it up into sects.
But when one asks a Muslim, “who are you?”, the common answer is either ‘I am a Sunni, or ‘I am Shia’. Some call themselves Hanafi, or Shafa’ee or Maliki or Hambali. Some say ‘I am a Deobandi’, while some others say ‘I am a Barelvi’.
3. Our Prophet was a Muslim
One may ask such Muslims, “what was our beloved prophet (pbuh)? Was he a Hanafi or a Shafa’ee, or a Hambali or a Maliki?” No! He was a Muslim, like all the other prophets and messengers of Allah before him.
It is mentioned in Chapter 3 Verse 52 of Al Qur’an that Jesus (pbuh) was a Muslim.
Further, in Chapter 3 Verse 67, Al Qur’an says that Ibraheem (pbuh) was not a Jew or a Christian but was a Muslim.
4. Qur’an says call yourselves Muslim
a. If anyone poses a Muslim the question who are you, he should say “I am a MUSLIM, not a Hanafi or a Shafa’ee”. Surah Fussilat Chapter 41 Verse 33 says
“Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, ‘I am of those Who bow in Islam (Muslim)?’ ”
[Al Qur’an 41:33]
The Qur’an says “Say I am of those who bow in Islam”. In other words, say, “I am a Muslim”.
b. The Prophet (pbuh) dictated letters to non-Muslim kings and rulers inviting them to accept Islam. In these letters he mentioned the verse of the Qur’an from Surah Ale Imran Chapter 3 Verse 64:
Say ye: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s Will).”
[Al Qur’an 3:64]
5. Respect all the great Scholars of Islam
We must respect all the great scholars of Islam, including the four Imaams, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafa’ee, Imam Humbal and Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on all of them). They were great scholars and may Allah reward them for their research and hardwork. One can have no objection if someone agrees with the views and research of Imam Abu Hanifa or Imam Shafa’ee, etc. But when posed a question, ‘who are you?’, the reply should only be ‘I am a Muslim’.
6. Some may argue by quoting the hadith of our beloved Prophet (pbuh) from Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 5 Hadith 4596. In this hadith the prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, “My community will be split up into seventy-three sects.”
This hadith reports that the prophet(pbuh) predicted the emergence of seventy-three sects. He did not say that Muslims should be active in dividing themselves into sects. The Glorious Qur’an commands us not to create sects. Those who follow the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith, and do not create sects are the people who are on the true path.
According to Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, Hadith 2641, Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "My Ummah will split into seventy-three sects. All of them are in the Fire except one sect”. He said: "And which is it O! Messenger of Allah?" He said: "What I am upon and my Companions.”
The Glorious Qur’an mentions in several verses, “Obey Allah and obey His Messenger”. A true Muslim should only follow the Glorious Qur’an and the Sahih Hadith. He can agree with the views of any scholar as long as they conform to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith. If such views go against the Word of Allah, or the Sunnah of His Prophet, (pbuh) then they carry no weight, regardless of how learned the scholar might be.
If only all Muslims read the Qur’an with understanding and adhere to Sahih Hadith, InshAllah most of these differences would be solved and we could be one united Muslim Ummah.
When all the Muslim follow one and the same Qur’an then why are there so many sects among Muslims?
Answer:
1. Muslims should be united
It is a fact that Muslims today, are divided amongst themselves. The tragedy is that such divisions are not endorsed by Islam at all. Islam believes in fostering unity amongst its followers.
The Glorious Qur’an says:
“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves;”
[Al Qur’an 3:103]
Which is the rope of Allah that is being referred to in this verse? It is the Glorious Qur’an. The Glorious Qur’an is the rope of Allah which all Muslims should hold fast together. There is double emphasis in this verse. Besides saying ‘hold fast all together’ it also says, ‘be not divided’.
The Qur’an further says:
“Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger”
[Al Qur’an 4:59]
All the Muslims should follow the Qur’an and authentic ahadith and be not divided among themselves.
2. It is prohibited to make sects and divisions in Islam
The Glorious Qur’an says:
“As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: Their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.”
[Al Qur’an 6:159]
In this verse Allah (swt) says that one should disassociate oneself from those who divide their religion and break it up into sects.
But when one asks a Muslim, “who are you?”, the common answer is either ‘I am a Sunni, or ‘I am Shia’. Some call themselves Hanafi, or Shafa’ee or Maliki or Hambali. Some say ‘I am a Deobandi’, while some others say ‘I am a Barelvi’.
3. Our Prophet was a Muslim
One may ask such Muslims, “what was our beloved prophet (pbuh)? Was he a Hanafi or a Shafa’ee, or a Hambali or a Maliki?” No! He was a Muslim, like all the other prophets and messengers of Allah before him.
It is mentioned in Chapter 3 Verse 52 of Al Qur’an that Jesus (pbuh) was a Muslim.
Further, in Chapter 3 Verse 67, Al Qur’an says that Ibraheem (pbuh) was not a Jew or a Christian but was a Muslim.
4. Qur’an says call yourselves Muslim
a. If anyone poses a Muslim the question who are you, he should say “I am a MUSLIM, not a Hanafi or a Shafa’ee”. Surah Fussilat Chapter 41 Verse 33 says
“Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, ‘I am of those Who bow in Islam (Muslim)?’ ”
[Al Qur’an 41:33]
The Qur’an says “Say I am of those who bow in Islam”. In other words, say, “I am a Muslim”.
b. The Prophet (pbuh) dictated letters to non-Muslim kings and rulers inviting them to accept Islam. In these letters he mentioned the verse of the Qur’an from Surah Ale Imran Chapter 3 Verse 64:
Say ye: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s Will).”
[Al Qur’an 3:64]
5. Respect all the great Scholars of Islam
We must respect all the great scholars of Islam, including the four Imaams, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafa’ee, Imam Humbal and Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on all of them). They were great scholars and may Allah reward them for their research and hardwork. One can have no objection if someone agrees with the views and research of Imam Abu Hanifa or Imam Shafa’ee, etc. But when posed a question, ‘who are you?’, the reply should only be ‘I am a Muslim’.
6. Some may argue by quoting the hadith of our beloved Prophet (pbuh) from Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 5 Hadith 4596. In this hadith the prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, “My community will be split up into seventy-three sects.”
This hadith reports that the prophet(pbuh) predicted the emergence of seventy-three sects. He did not say that Muslims should be active in dividing themselves into sects. The Glorious Qur’an commands us not to create sects. Those who follow the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith, and do not create sects are the people who are on the true path.
According to Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, Hadith 2641, Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "My Ummah will split into seventy-three sects. All of them are in the Fire except one sect”. He said: "And which is it O! Messenger of Allah?" He said: "What I am upon and my Companions.”
The Glorious Qur’an mentions in several verses, “Obey Allah and obey His Messenger”. A true Muslim should only follow the Glorious Qur’an and the Sahih Hadith. He can agree with the views of any scholar as long as they conform to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith. If such views go against the Word of Allah, or the Sunnah of His Prophet, (pbuh) then they carry no weight, regardless of how learned the scholar might be.
If only all Muslims read the Qur’an with understanding and adhere to Sahih Hadith, InshAllah most of these differences would be solved and we could be one united Muslim Ummah.
hadith
Jabir ibn Abdullah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever says after hearing the call to prayer: O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer, give Muhammad the means of approach and favor, and raise him to the praiseworthy status which You promised for him; then my intercession will be allowed for him on the Day of Resurrection.”
Source: Sahih Bukhari 589
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ مَنْ قَالَ حِينَ يَسْمَعُ النِّدَاءَ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هَذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَائِمَةِ آتِ مُحَمَّدًا الْوَسِيلَةَ وَالْفَضِيلَةَ وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا الَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ حَلَّتْ لَهُ شَفَاعَتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ
589 صحيح البخاري كِتَاب الْأَذَانِ بَاب الدُّعَاءِ عِنْدَ النِّدَاءِ
● The mission of Jesus was confined to the Israelites alone.
You Shall Know The Truth And The Truth Shall Set You Free's photo.
● The mission of Jesus was confined to the Israelites alone.
It is not true that he was sent for all mankind. Jesus expressly stated:
"I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel". [Matthew 15:24]
● It may be said that he asked his disciples to teach all nations:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost". (Matthew 28:19)
In the light of Jesus teachings anyone may safely assert that the words "teach all nations" mostly mean that the disciples of Jesus should go to all the tribes of Israelites. The word "nation" may readily be taken as an equivalent of "tribe" in view of the testimony which the Bible itself provides.
● For example, the following verses shows that the mission of Jesus and his disciples was restricted to the tribes of Israelites:
"Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel". (Matthew 19:28)
Jesus also said, while clarifying his mission to the Israelites:
"It is not meet to take the children's bread and cast it to dogs". (Matthew 15:26)
At another place Jesus instructed his disciples to avoid the Gentiles:
"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, 'Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel' ". (Matthew 10:5-6)
● The apostles by their actions, showed that the message of Jesus was meant for and confined to the Jews only.
"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only". (Acts 11:19)
The apostles were disturbed and annoyed when they learned that Peter, on one occasion, had preached to non-Israelites.
"And when Peter was come to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, Thou wentest into men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them". (Acts 11:2-3)
Thus,it is obvious that Jesus message was not a universal message, it was concerned only with Israelites just as the prophets who came before him starting with Israel (Jacob) himself ending with Jesus.
● Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sent for whole mankind unlike all other Prophets who were sent to their respective nations,clans and tribes.Their prophethood was limited to certain places/areas but the final prophethood is unlimited ,extending beyond all boundaries.
God Almighty says in the holy Quran:
"We have not sent you (O Muhammad) but as a universal (Messenger) to men giving them glad tidings and warning them but most men understand not." (Quran: 34:28)
"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘If you (really) love God then follow me (i.e. accept Islam), God will love you and forgive you your sins. And God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful..." (Quran: 3:31)
ρǝɯɥɐ
It is not true that he was sent for all mankind. Jesus expressly stated:
"I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel". [Matthew 15:24]
● It may be said that he asked his disciples to teach all nations:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost". (Matthew 28:19)
In the light of Jesus teachings anyone may safely assert that the words "teach all nations" mostly mean that the disciples of Jesus should go to all the tribes of Israelites. The word "nation" may readily be taken as an equivalent of "tribe" in view of the testimony which the Bible itself provides.
● For example, the following verses shows that the mission of Jesus and his disciples was restricted to the tribes of Israelites:
"Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel". (Matthew 19:28)
Jesus also said, while clarifying his mission to the Israelites:
"It is not meet to take the children's bread and cast it to dogs". (Matthew 15:26)
At another place Jesus instructed his disciples to avoid the Gentiles:
"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, 'Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel' ". (Matthew 10:5-6)
● The apostles by their actions, showed that the message of Jesus was meant for and confined to the Jews only.
"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only". (Acts 11:19)
The apostles were disturbed and annoyed when they learned that Peter, on one occasion, had preached to non-Israelites.
"And when Peter was come to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, Thou wentest into men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them". (Acts 11:2-3)
Thus,it is obvious that Jesus message was not a universal message, it was concerned only with Israelites just as the prophets who came before him starting with Israel (Jacob) himself ending with Jesus.
● Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sent for whole mankind unlike all other Prophets who were sent to their respective nations,clans and tribes.Their prophethood was limited to certain places/areas but the final prophethood is unlimited ,extending beyond all boundaries.
God Almighty says in the holy Quran:
"We have not sent you (O Muhammad) but as a universal (Messenger) to men giving them glad tidings and warning them but most men understand not." (Quran: 34:28)
"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘If you (really) love God then follow me (i.e. accept Islam), God will love you and forgive you your sins. And God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful..." (Quran: 3:31)
ρǝɯɥɐ