Sects Are Forbidden In Islam

According to the Oxford Dictionary. A sect is ‘a group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs (typically regarded as heretical) from those of a larger group to which they belong.’

Religions have become divided and broken into segments. These divisions have caused people to lose the sense of unity and brotherhood, also fighting over differences.

The Quran is clear on sects:

‘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.’ Quran: 6:159

‘But people have cut off their affair (of unity), between them, into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself. But leave them in their confused ignorance for a time.’ Quran: 23:53-54

As an example which we need to learn from, the Quran recounts the emergence of sects in the past:

‘Verily, this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other). But (later generations) cut off their affair (of unity), one from another: (yet) will they all return to Us.’ Quran: 21:92-93

Learning from the Quran, no matter whether your Sunni, Shi’a or amongst the many other sects, we should all come under the term of being a Muslim, nothing else as the Quran clearly forbids it.

‘Say: ‘Obey Allah and His Messenger…’ Quran: 3:32

This quote clearly indicates that as well as obeying God, the path of Muhammad (PBUH) is to be followed as an example of a true Muslim. But this does not mean that people should divide themselves. The Quran clearly displays the severe punishment for those who do so:

‘Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear signs; for them is a dreadful penalty.’ Quran: 3:105

In a Hadith, Muhammad (PBUH) also warned us all that the emergence of 73 Islamic sects is a sign of Judgement Day.

It is reported that Muhammad (PBUH) stated:

“Muslims will divide into 73 groups. All will be in Hell, except one. The one me and my companions are on today.”

So what was Muhammad PBUH? He was a Muslim.

Islam is the religion preached by all the noble Prophets including Adam, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (PBUT). Moses and Noah (PBUT) for example, were not Sunni’s or Shi’as, they were Muslims, submitters to God.

‘The religion before Allah is Islam.’ Quran: 3:19

‘The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah – that which We have sent by inspiration to thee – and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: namely, that ye should remain steadfast in Religion, and make no divisions therein…’ Quran: 42:12

‘This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.’ Quran: 5:3

Islam is based upon the Quran and teachings of Muhammad (PBUH). So therefore, we should submit to God alone, and not divide ourselves. Muslims should aim to become one.

We are all brothers and sisters after all.

‘O ye who believe! fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam. And hold fast, all together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you…’ Quran: 3:102-103
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