I am experiencing group-ism (firqa) in Islam. All are saying that they are right and all others are wrong. So as being a common man, how to decide who is right and who is wrong. Please guide me about this. May Allah bless you for your concern. In principle, it is to be noted that all humanity must be honoured, respected and treated with fairness, regardless of their faith, gender or religious persuasions. Allah Almighty has stated, “And We bestowed dignity on the children of Adam” (Qur’ān 17:70) That being said, it is important to know that there are two types of matters regarding the religion of Islam. ‘Fundamental Matters’ and ‘Subsidiary Matters’. Examples of fundamental matters are, Allah is the One and only God, the Prophet Muhammad is the final messenger (peace and blessings upon him), the Qur’ān is the final testament of God etc. While examples of subsidiary matters are, raising and positioning the hands in prayer (ṣalāh), the two optional prayers before mandatory sunset (maghrib) prayer, the repetition of the iqāmah words prior to congregational prayer etc. Once the above is understood, it is worthy to point out that, in fundamental matters; our guide is the decisive primary source texts of the Qur’ān and Ḥadīth. These matters cannot be disputed once there are clear instructions in the Qur’ān regarding them. As for the subsidiary matters, difference of opinion is acceptable based on the interpretation of ambiguous primary source texts. This is why we see adherents of various religious persuasions such as Ḥanafī, Shāfi’e, Mālikī, Ḥanbalī, Salafi schools of law etc. Each group is correct according to the interpretation of various jurists from within each school. Hence, in light of the above, in your particular dilemma, if you feel there are groups disputing in fundamental matters, use the Qur’ān as your guide. It is advisable to get in touch with reliable scholars to help you understand the texts and the ir interpretations. You are to still respect groups who may go against the proper understanding in fundamental matters, while adhering to your own view. There have always been difference of opinion and plurality in subsidiary matters from the time of the Companions (may Allah be please with them) until the present era. Just follow what you feel is correct, under scholarly guidance, while avoiding to impose your view upon others. Also abstain from negative behaviour towards those who’s fiqh ideology does not conform with yours. May Allah grant us all understanding and respect. And Allah knows best. Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat Hadith of the Day Imam Imam of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto and Director of Mathabah Institute
Posted on: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:30:46 +0000
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