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Sects
of Islam
WE HAVE GIVEN THE BOOK (AL-QUR'AN) AS AN INHERITANCE
TO THOSE OF OUR SERVANTS (MUSLIMS) WHOM WE HAVE CHOSEN,
AMONG THEM THERE ARE SOME WHO WRONG THEIR OWN SOULS,
SOME FOLLOW A MIDDLE COURSE AND SOME, BY ALLAH'S LEAVE,
EXCEL IN GOOD DEEDS; WHICH IS THE SUPREME VIRTUE. (AL-QUR'AN
35:32)
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YUSUF
ALI EXPLAINS: The custodians
of the Qur'an after the holy Prophet were the People of
Islam. They were chosen for the Book, not in any narrow
sense, but in the sense that the Book was given for their
age and they were charged to obey it and preserve and
propagate it, so that all mankind should receive the Massage.
But it does not follow that they are all true and faithful
to their charge as indeed we see too painfully around
us to-day. Just as mankind was chosen collectively to
be Vicegerents and yet some among mankind fell in evil,
even so, some in the house of Islam fail to follow the
Light given to them, and thus "wrong their own souls".
But some follow a middle course: in their case "the
spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak",
their intentions are good, but they have much to learn
yet of the true Muslim life and Muslim virtues. Then there
is a third class: they may not indeed be perfect, but
both their intentions and their conduct are sound, and
they form an example to other men: they are "foremost"
in every good deed. They are so, not by their own merits,
but by the Grace of Allah. And they have reached the highest
Achievement, - The Salvation.
Sects of Islam (Arabic Firqah) Mohammad (SAW) is related
to have prophesied that his followers would be divided
into numerous religious sects.
'Abdu'llah ibn 'Umar relates that the Prophet said: "Verily
it will happen to my people even as it did to the Children
of Israel. The Children of Israel were divided into seventy-two
sects, and my people will be divided into seventy-three.
Every one of these sects will go to Hell except one sect."
The Companions said, "O Prophet, which is that?"
He said, "The religion which is professed by me and
my Companions." (Mishkat, book i. ch. VI. Pt. 2.).
The number has, however, far exceeded the Prophet's predictions,
for the sects of Islam even exceed in number and variety
those of the Christian religion.
The Sunnis arrogate to themselves the title of the Najiyah,
or those who are "being saved" (as Indeed, do
the other sects), but within the limits of the Sunni sections
of Muhammadans there are four which are esteemed "Orthodox,"
their differences consisting chiefly in minor difference
of ritual, and in varied interpretations of Muslim law.
These four orthodox sects or schools of interpretation
amongst the Sunnis, are the Hanafiyah, the Shafi'iyah,
the Malakiyah, and the Hambaliyah.
1. The Hanafiyahs are found in Turkey, Central Asia, and
North India. The founder of this sect was the Imam Abu
Hanifah, who was born at Al-Kufah, the capital of Al-Iraq,
A.D. 702, or A.H. 80 at which time four of the Prophet's
companions were still alive. He is the great oracle of
jurisprudence, and (with his two pupils, the Imams Abu
Yusuf and Muhammad) was the founder of the Hanafiyah Code
of Law.
2. The Shafi'iyahs are found in South India and Egypt.
The founder of this school of interpretation was Imam
Muhammad ibn Idris as-Shafi'i', who was born at Asqalon,
in Palestine, A.D. 767 (A.H. 150).
3. The Malakiyahs prevail in Morocco, Barbary, and other
parts of Africa, and were founded by Imam Malik, who was
born at al-Madinah, A.D. 714 (A.H. 95). He enjoyed the
personal acquaintance of Abu Hanifah, and he was considered
the most learned man of his time.
4. The Hambaliyahs were founded by Imam Abu 'Abdi 'llah
Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hambal, who was born at Baghdad
A.D. 780 (A.H. 164). He attended the lectures delivered
by ash-Shafi'i, by whom he was instructed in the Traditions.
His followers are found in Eastern Arabia, and in some
parts of Africa, but it is the least popular of the four
schools of interpretation. They have no Mufti at Makkah,
whilst the other three sects are represented there. The
Wahhabis rose from this sect. [WAHHABI]
From the disciples of these four great Imams have proceeded
an immense number of commentaries and other works, all
differing on a variety of points in their constructions,
although coinciding in their general principles.
The Ghiyasu 'l-Lughat gives the following particulars
of the seventy-three sects, spoken of in the traditions,
arranging them in six divisions of twelve sects each,
and concluding with the Najiyah, or orthodox Sunnis.
1. THE RAFIZIYAH, "The Separatists," Who are
divided into: -
1. The Alawiyah, who esteem the Khalifah 'Ali to have
been a Prophet.
2. Abadiyah, who hold that 'Ali is divine.
3. The Shuáibiyah, who say 'Ali was the first and best
of the Khalifahs.
4. Ishaqiyah, who say the age of prophecy is not yet completed.
5. Zadiyah, who hold that prayers can only be led by a
descendent of 'Ali.
6. Abbasiyah, who say Al-'Abbas, the uncle of Muhammad,
was the only rightful Imam.
7. Imamiyah, who state that world is never left without
an Imam of the Banu Hashim to lead the prayers.
8. Narisiyah, who say it is blasphemy for one person to
say he is better than another.
9. Tanasukhiyah, who believe in the transmigration of
Souls.
10. Laíniyah, those who curse the names of Talhah, Zubair
and Ayishah.
11. Raji'yah, who believe that 'Ali is hidden in the clouds
and will return again to this earth.
12. Murtaziyah, who say it is lawful for a Muslim to fight
against his Imam.
2. THE KHARIJIYAH, "the Aliens," who are divided
into: -
1. Azraqiyah, who say there is no holy vision now to be
obtained by the sons of men, as the days of inspiration
are past.
2. Riyaziyah, who say a man is saved by good works, and
not by faith.
3. Sa'labiyah, who say God, is indifferent to the actions
of men, as though he were in a state of a sleep
4. Jazimiyah, who hold true faith has not yet been made
evident.
5. Khalfiyah, who say to run away even from double the
number of infidels, is a mortal sin for muslims
6. Kuziyah, who say that the human body is not made ready
for prayer unless the ablutions be such as entirely cleanse
the body.
7. Kanziyah, who do not regard the giving of Zakat as
necessary
8. Mu'tazilah, who maintain that evil actions are not
according to the decree of god, and that the prayers of
a sinful man are not acceptable to God, and that faith
is of mans free will, and the Qurán is created, and that
alms giving and prayer do not benefit the dead, and that
there is no Mizan or Kitab, etc, and the Day of Judgment.
9. Maimuniyah, who hold that the belief in the unseen
is absurd.
10. Muhkamiyah, who say God has not revealed his will
to mankind.
11. Sirajiyah, who believe the example of the saints is
of no importance.
12. Akhnasiyah, who hold that there is no punishment for
sin.
3. THE JABARIYAH, the "Deniers of free will,"
who are divided into: -
1. Muztariyah, who hold that both good and evil are entirely
from god, and man is not responsible for his actions.
2. Af'aliyah, who say man is responsible for his actions
although the power to do and to act is alone from God.
3. Ma'iyah,. Who believe that man possesses an entirely
free will.
4. Tariqiyah, who say faith without works will save a
man.
5. Bakhtiyah, who believe that as every mortal receives
according to God's special gift, it is not therefore lawful
for one to give to another.
6. Mutamanniyah, who hold that good works are those from
which comfort and happiness are derived in this world.
7. Kaslaniyah, they who say punishment and reward is inflicted
by god only according to the actions of man.
8. Habibiyah, who hold that as one friend never, injures
another, so God, who is a God of love, does not punish
his own creation.
9. Khaufiyah, who say that just as a friend does not terrify
his friend, so God does not terrify his people by judgments.
10. Fikriyah, who say contemplation is better than worship,
and more pleasing to the God.
11. Hasabiyah, who hold that in the world there is no
such a thing as fate or predestination.
12. Hujjatiyah, who say that inasmuch as God doeth everything
and everything is of God, man cannot be made responsible
for either good and evil.
4. THE QADARIYAH, the "Asserters of Free will,"
who are divided into: -
1. Ahadiyah, who accepts the injections of God, but not
those of the Prophet.
2. Sanawiyah, who say there are two eternal principles,
good and evil; good being of Yazdan and evil being of
Ahraman.
3. Kaisaniyah, who say our actions are either the creation
of god or they are not.
4. Shaitaniyah, who deny the personality of Satan.
5. Sharikiyah, who say faith is Ghair Makhluq, or "uncreated".
6. Wahmiyah, who say the actions of man are of no consequence,
whether they be good or evil.
7. Ruwaidiyah, who maintain that the world has an eternal
existence.
8. Nakisiyah, who say it is lawful to fight against the
Imam or Khalifah.
9. Mutabarriyah, who say the repentance of sinners is
not accepted by God.
10. Qasitiyah, who hold that the acquirement of wealth
and learning is a religious duty ordered by god.
11. Nazamiyah, who maintain that it is lawful to speak
of the Almighty as a thing 'shai'.
12. Mutawallifiyah, who say it is not evident whether
evil, is by God's Decree or not.
5. THE JAHIMIYAH, the followers of Jahim ibn Safwan, who
are divided into: -
1. Mu'attaliyah, who say the names and attributes of God
are created.
2. Mutarbisiyah, who hold that the power, knowledge and
purpose of God are created.
3. Mutaraqibiyah, who say God has a place.
4. Waridiyah, who state that those who enter hell will
never escape from it, and that a mumin, or "believer,"
will never enter hell.
5. Harqiyah, who say the inhabitants of hell, will so
burn, that in time they will be annihilated.
6. Makhluqiyah, who believe that the Qur'an, the Taurat,
the Zabur and the Injeel are created.
7. Ibariyah, who say Muhammad was a learned man, and a
philosopher, but not a prophet.
8. Faniyah, who say both Paradise and hell will be annihilated.
9. Zanadiqiyah, who say the Mi'raj or "ascent of
Mohammad to Heaven," was only in the spirit, and
that the world is eternal, and that there is no Day of
Judgment.
10. Lafziyah, who hold that the qurán is not an inspired
writing, but that its instructions are of God.
11. Qabriyah, who say there is no punishment in the grave.
12. Waqifiyah, who state that it is not certain whether
the qurán is create or uncreate.
6. THE MURJIYAH, or "procrastinators," who are
divided into: -
1. Tariqiyah, who say nothing is necessary but faith.
2. Sha'iyah, who maintain that when once a man has repeated
the Muhammadan Creed he is saved.
3. Rajiyah, who believe that the worship of God is not
necessary to piety, nor are good works necessary.
4. Shakkiyah, who say a man cannot be certain if he has
faith or not, for faith is spirit.
5. Nahiyah, who say faith, is knowledge, and those who
do not know the commandments of God have not faith.
6. 'Amaliyah, who say faith is but good works.
7. Manqusiyah, who say faith is sometimes less and sometimes
more.
8. Mustasniyah, who deprecate assurance in religion, but
say, "we are believers if God, wills it".
9. Ash'ariyah, who say qiyas or analogical reasoning,
in matters of faith is unlawful.
10. Bidiyah, who hold that it is a duty to obey a ruler,
even if he gives orders which are evil.
11. Mushabbihiyah, who say God did literally make Adam
literally in his own image.
12. Hashawiyah, who consider that in Muslim law there
is no difference between Wajib, Sunnah and Mustahab.
7. THE NAJIYAH, or saved ones Make up the complete no.
of seventy three.
Mr. Sale traces all the Muhammadan sects to four sources:
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1. The Mu'taziliyahs, the followers of Wasil ibn 'Ata,
who may be said to have been the first inventor of scholastic
divinity in Islam.
2. The Sifatiyahs, or Attributes; who hold the contrary
opinions of the Mu'taziliyahs.
3. The Kharijiyahs, or Aliens, those who revolted from
'Ali.
4. The Shí'ahs, or the followers of 'Ali
The author of the Sharhu 'l-Muwaqif says there are eight
leading divisions of the sects of Islam:-
1. The Mu'tazilah.
2. The Shi'ahs.
3. The Khawarij.
4. The Murjiyah.
5. The Najjariyah.
6. The Jabariyah.
7. The Mushabbihiyah.
8. The Najiyah.
For an account of these leading sects, the reader is referred
to the articles under their respective titles.
Shaikh 'Abdu 'l-Qadir says there are not less than 150
sects in Islam.
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