An interesting and honest opinion from Tiara, well said. Only to note that some (Muslims) may differ or “felt misunderstood” by your words, “follows is the one that takes him/her closest to Allah swt”.
I guess, if I may, provide more appropriate and safer in discussion “follow the guidance of Allah that is on the right path” (based on the verses from first sura of the Quran). Some will clarify your opinion with the hadiths relating the predicted sects in the future as narrated in the authentic hadiths, but to avoid differing interpretations from different scholars, I will not go into the topic any deeper (I learned my lesson too well for this).
Best is to learn from the viewpoints of the many scholars or opinions in the topic which different in the sects (actually I prefer to use “school of thought”, as there is no liturgical or sacraments in Islam, and Islam does not start in Arabia as “a sectarian”), clarify yourself in the Quran or sources posed by each scholars. By that way, you will learn more, as you review the logic and concept accordingly. It could get frustrating, especially when the arguments become too varying.
For me, I have long stick myself to the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. to his followers at his time. I have gone weary reading books on the differing theological and methodological concepts in Islam, especially when it gets tends too overshoot and goes far from the boundaries of basic tenants of faith.
A balance of spirituality and philosophy is good for the soul and mind, while too much of the other creates too much innovation and deviation. One such problem is the concept of trinity for the Christians, which is something the Christians today are innocent of but yet guilt of at the same when dealing such topics. Hence, as Muslims, we are careful when discussing about the nature of God and His Creation or Will, less one could deviate from the monotheistic faith, less from the Quran.
0votes
30/01/2009 10:53:58 AM
by
Fariz
whiz
This question requires a detailed understanding of what Islam and Muslims are.
Although long, below is a summary of this reply.
Most of the reply here is taken form this -
http://www.islamnewsroom.com/c.../
Please read the link given above for the full understanding and version of this reply, which covers the exact arabic wording of Islam, muslim and the conclusion of how this answer was derived.
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reply to your q:
We shouldn't follow any of the named sects in islam, except for the universal group of Islam leading life based on Quran and Sunnah. Prophet may peace and blessing of Allah be upon him never said that he was a salafi or sunnie or shiite and we are suppose to do what our prophet (saw) did which is Call us Muslims and Muslims only.
The one which follows the quran and sunnah. Nabi (S.A.W.) mentioned that “the group that follows my way and the way of my Sahabah is successful.”
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, told us in a hadeeth (teachings and sayings); He had prayed and asked Allah for three things, but he was only granted two of them. He tells us:
"I asked Allah that my nation (the Muslims) would not be destroyed by being out numbered. And Allah granted that prayer.
I then asked Allah that my nation (Muslims) would not be destroyed from poverty. And Allah granted that prayer.
I asked Allah that my nation (Muslims) would not be destroyed by being divided and fighting amongst themselves. Allah did not grant that prayer."
In Khutbatul Wada' (also known as The last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad may peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) stated:
"Muslims will divide into 73 groups. All will be in Hell, except one. The one me and my companions are on today."
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"How does a person become a MUSLIM?"
Only when a person is willing to submit to the Commandments of the Higher Authority from Above, meaning to obey Allah on His terms as much as possible does he/she become a " MUSLIM."
Allah Says in Quran, all of creation is in submission to Him (MUSLIM).
What if the sun asked the moon, "Hey moon! What kind of Muslim are you? A Shia' or a Sunni?" - Such an idea just does not make any sense.
What does Islam teaches about the subject of dividing up into various groups or sects?
[Quran 6:159]"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 30:32] (Do not fall in idol worship,) like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have.
[Quran 42:14] Ironically, they broke up into sects only after the knowledge had come to them, due to jealousy and resentment among themselves. If it were not for a
predetermined decision from your Lord to respite them for a definite interim, they would have been judged immediately. Indeed, the later generations who inherited the scripture are full of doubts.
[Quran 3:100 - 3:105] "And how would you disbelieve, while unto you are recited the Verses of Allah, and among you is His Messenger (Muhammad SAW)? And whoever holds firmly to Allah, (i.e. follows Islam Allah's Religion, and obeys all that Allah has ordered, practically), then he is indeed guided to a Right Path.
O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah.
And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur'an), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah's Favor on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided.
Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.
And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment."
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Islam was perfected and completed during the lifetime of the Prophet . No new religion would come until the Last Day and that those who followed Islam were called by Allah, MUSLIMS.
full more detailed version taken form http://www.islamnewsroom.com/c.../
1votes
30/01/2009 11:50:42 AM
by
thingi
fresh
Accepted Reply
ok ok, sunni or shi'a are the major sects of islam. So looking into the teaching of the koran and sunnah and hadiths of our beloved prophet muhmmad (pbuh) and the 4 school of thoughts, then u will c the light.
Pray to Allah to guide u to the RIGHT sect.
1votes
30/01/2009 6:09:33 PM
by
ahxuan
brainy
May of the converts that we have come across during our dakwah work said to us, it was the divine guidance that brought them to the religion. It is amazing just to hear their stories but the underlying message is that they were sincerely seeking the truth and then Allah s.w.t. takes charge and guides them along.
These people did not know about the different sects and till now are not worked up by the differences. Last saturday, I did a Islamic Motivation session. The topic was IT STARTS WITH YOU. Truly, Allah is closer to us then our jugular vein, and He kbows what we are trying to do. Sincerely seek the truth and you will soon find out for yourself that Islam is beyond sects... Go for the big picture ... Wasalaam
1votes
7/02/2009 9:58:47 AM
Faith Hub
www.faithhub.com
by
Mehboob
whiz
Org
