Question: I understand the history of Shite Muslims to that of Sunni Muslims. Has Allah (s.w.t) revealed this in Al Qur'an to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)? And if yes which Surah and ayat?

Answer: Allah has mentioned in the Holy Quran that although He Has revealed the true religion as being one, men have divided themselves and have brought about new ways and teachings. This is highlighted in Sura Al Muminoon Verses 52 and 53. These verses state : 'And Verily! This your religion is one religion, and I am your Lord, so keep your duty to me. But they (men) have broken their religion among them into sects, each group rejoicing in its belief'.

The verse tells us that the fundamental teaching of all the religions which were sent by Allah through all prophets were one and the same. However, it is the people who, over a period of time, brought about new ways and ideologies and thus broke their religion into sects. This type of division further extended to each individual religion and after some time, there appeared many sects of the same religion, who claimed to follow the same prophet and the same scripture. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) informed the Muslims that the same would take place among his followers and hence, warned against following deviated paths.

In a tradition recorded by Abu Dawood and Tirmizi, it is narrated that the Prophet (s.a.s) said, 'Behold! Those before you from the people of the book divided themselves into seventy-two sects, and this nation shall soon be divided into seventy-three sects. Seventy-two (of them) shall be in the fire and one shall be in paradise, and that one is the Jamaah (Group)'. (Abu Dawood and Tirmizi). In the version given by Tirmizi, the following is narrated, 'and they (the companions) said, 'and who is this Jamaah (group), O Messenger of Allah?' He said, 'That path which I and my companions are upon'. (Graded as Saheeh - sound by Imam Tirmizi).

From this tradition, it is clear that there will be different paths and sects that will appear among the Muslims, just as it occurred in the past religions. However, with all of this, the Prophet (s.a.s) has given a criterion which can be used to see who is right and who is wrong. Once this principle is used as a yardstick to view the divided sects, it will be easy for one to recognise what is the truth.

In this manner, it has become clear and manifest that among all parties, it is only the Sunni Muslims who fully adhere to the complete teachings of the Prophet (s.a.s) and they are those who adopt the path and practices of the companions. It should also be noted, that the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah (the path of the Sunni Muslims) was not a created path. In fact, it is the path which was left by the Prophet (s.a.s) to be followed. However, over the period of time when new sects emerged, it became necessary for the true Muslims to identify themselves as 'the people of the Sunnah and the companions.'

To answer your question, I will say that the Prophet (s.a.s) was informed by Allah about the division of different sects and the Prophet (s.a.s) informed his followers about it. It is now upon us, the Muslims, to remain firm upon the rightly guided path and stay away from deviated thoughts and trends.


And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan