Q. Is the one who affiliates himself with the
various (Islamic) groups to be considered an innovator?
A. This depends upon the nature of the groups. The one who affiliates himself
with those groups that have some opposition to the Book and the Sunnah is to be
considered an innovator.[1]
Q. What is your general ruling upon the various
Islamic groups?
A. Everyone who opposes the Jamaa’ah of Ahl us-Sunnah then he is
astray. We do not have but a single Jamaa’ah and they are Ahl us-Sunnah.
Wal-Jamaa’ah. Whatever opposes this Jamaa’ah, then it is in
opposition to the manhaj (methodology) of the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi
wasallam).
Q. Should one mix with these groups or should
they be avoided?
A. When the intention behind mixing with them is to call them (to the truth),
– and it is done by those who have knowledge and insight – to adhere
to the Sunnah and to abandon their error(s), then this is something good and is
from calling to Allaah. However, if this mixing is only for the purpose of
accompaniment and entertainment, without any da’wah and without any
clarification [of their errors], then this is not permissible. Hence it is not
permissible for a person to mix with the opposers except in a manner in which
some Sharee’ah benefit can be attained, such as calling them to the
correct Islam, clarifying the truth to them that they may return to it –
such as when Ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, went to the
Innovators who were in the mosque, stood in front of them and rejected their
innovation. And like Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, who went
to the Khawarij, argued with them and refuted their misconceptions and as a
result of which some of them returned to the truth.
Therefore, mixing with them in this manner is something that is desirable.
But if they persist upon their falsehood, then it is obligatory to avoid and
shun them and to struggle against them for the sake of Allaah.
Q. Do these groups enter into the seventy-two
sects that are headed towards destruction?
A. Yes. Everyone who opposes Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah from amongst
those who associate themselves to Islam in the arena of da’wah, or aqidah,
or anything from the pillars of Iman, then such ones enter into the seventy-two
sects and the threat (of Hellfire) encompasses them. He will be censured and
punished to the extent of his opposition.
Q. Is it obligatory upon the Scholars to make
clear to the Muslim youth and the general folk about the dangers of
sectarianism, splitting and separate groups.
A. Yes. It is obligatory to explain the danger of sectarianism, the danger of
separating and splitting into groups in order that the people have clear insight
(into these affairs). This is because even the common folk are deceived. How
many of them now have been deceived by these groups, thinking that they are upon
the truth? Hence, it is necessary for us to explain to the people, the students
and the general folk about the danger of groups and sects. The reason for this
is that when they (the scholars) remain silent, the people begin to say:
‘The scholars used to know about this but they remain quite and from this
avenue, misguidance appears. Therefore, it is vital to clarify matters when
issues such as these arise. The danger to the general folk is more abundant than
the danger that would be caused to the students because the general folk
consider the silence of the scholars to mean that it is correct and that it is
the truth.
Q. Is it obligatory to warn against the
methodologies that oppose the methodology of the Salaf?
A. Yes, it is obligatory to warn against the methodologies in opposition to
that of the Salaf. This is from the nasihah(sincerity of purpose) that is due to
Allaah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims and the general
folk. We caution against the people of evil and we warn against the
methodologies in opposition to the methodology of Islaam and we explain the
harmful effects of these matters to the people. We also encourage them to remain
steadfast upon the Book and the Sunnah. All of this is obligatory. However, this
is the responsibility and concern of the People of Knowledge for whom it is
obligatory to engage in this matter; that they should make it clear to the
people with the method that is legislated, suitable and successful, by the
permission of Allaah.
Concerning Islamic Groups and Sects