Is it sin to categorize yourself into a particular sect?
The issue of sectarianism in Islam is addressed in several verses of the Qur'an, emphasizing the importance of unity among believers and warning against division. For instance, in Surah Al-Muminoon, it is stated: But they (mankind) have broken their religion among them into sects, each group rejoicing in its tenets.
23:53 This verse highlights the negative consequences of dividing into sects, indicating that such divisions are not in line with the teachings of Islam.
Further, Surah Al-An'aam states, Lo! As for those who sunder their religion and become schismatics, no concern at all hast thou with them. Their case will go to Allah, Who then will tell them what they used to do.
6:159 This suggests that the act of dividing oneself into sects is discouraged, and the ultimate judgment rests with Allah.
Ibn Kathir explains that this verse applies to anyone who parts from the religion of Allah and opposes it. He notes that Allah's Messenger was sent with guidance to establish a single, unified religion, and those who diverge from this are not part of the true community of believers. The emphasis is on adhering to the core tenets of Islam rather than identifying strictly with one sect or another.
In Shia commentary, similar sentiments are echoed. For example, Majma al-Bayan highlights that division is a blameworthy act and emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity in the face of clear truths.
Hadith literature also addresses this issue. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: The Jews split into seventy-one or seventy-two sects, and the Christians likewise. My nation will be divided into seventy-three sects.
Sunan Abu Dawud 42:1 This narration indicates a warning about the fate of those who divide into numerous sects, with the implication that most will stray from the true path.
In conclusion, while identifying with a particular sect can sometimes be seen as a cultural or traditional practice, the Qur'an and Hadith stress the importance of unity and warn against the divisiveness of sectarianism. It is generally viewed as preferable for Muslims to focus on the core beliefs and practices of Islam rather than categorizing themselves into distinct sects, which can lead to discord and division.
Sources
-
23:53 · Al-Muminoon
23:53 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
فَتَقَطَّعُوٓا۟ أَمْرَهُم بَيْنَهُمْ زُبُرًۭا ۖ كُلُّ حِزْبٍۭ بِمَا لَدَيْهِمْ فَرِحُونَ
But they (mankind) have broken their religion among them into sects, each group rejoicing in its tenets.
-
6:159 · Al-An'aam
6:159 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا۟ دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا۟ شِيَعًۭا لَّسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِى شَىْءٍ ۚ إِنَّمَآ أَمْرُهُمْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْعَلُونَ
Lo! As for those who sunder their religion and become schismatics, no concern at all hast thou with them. Their case will go to Allah, Who then will tell them what they used to do.
-
Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 6:159
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 6:159
Mujahid, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak, and As-Suddi reported that this verse was revealed concerning the Jews and Christians. Al-'Awfi narrated from Ibn 'Abbas concerning the phrase "Indeed, those who divided their religion and became sects," explaining that the Jews and Christians had already split into separate groups before Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent. When Allah sent Muhammad, this verse was revealed to address them: "Indeed, those who divided their religion and became sects, you are not of them in any way." Ibn Jarir transmitted from Sa'd ibn Amr as-Sukuni, narrating from Baqiyyah ibn al-Walid, who related that 'Abbad ibn Kathir wrote to him, recounting a narration from Lait, from Tawus, from Abu Hurayrah, where the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Verily, among this nation are those who divided their religion and became sects, you are not of them, and they are not of you; they are people of innovation, doubts, and misguidance within this community." However, this chain is weak because 'Abbad ibn Kathir is known to abandon hadith, and while he did not fabricate this report, he mistakenly deemed it as directly attributed to the Prophet. The correct chain is that Sufyan ath-Thawri narrated from Lait (son of Abi Sulaym), from Tawus, from Abu Hurayrah that this verse was revealed about this nation. Abu Ghalib narrated from Abu Umamah regarding the phrase "those who divided their religion and became sects," stating they are the Kharijites. Although reported as a direct prophetic saying, this attribution is not authentic. Shu'bah related from Mujalid, from ash-Sha'bi, from Shurayh, from 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet said to Aisha concerning this verse: "They are the people of innovation." Ibn Mardawayh also transmitted this, though the prophetic attribution is weak. Overall, the verse is general, applying to anyone who parts from the religion of Allah and opposes it. Allah sent His Messenger with guidance and the true religion to manifest it over all faiths, and His law is single, without difference or division. Whoever diverges from it and forms sects—like the people of religious groups and doctrines, which are often deviations and errors—Allah has absolved His Messenger from their actions. This verse is analogous to Allah's words: "He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, and what We enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: 'Establish the religion and do not be divided therein.'" (Qur'an 42:13) and to the hadith where the prophets say, "Our religion is one." This is the straight path established by the messengers: worship Allah alone without partners, adhere to the law of the last Messenger, and reject what contradicts this as error, ignorance, personal opinions, and desires. The messengers are free of these, as the verse says, "You are not of them in any way." Concerning the verse's concluding phrase, "Their affair is only to Allah; then He will inform them about what they used to do," this is similar to the verse in Surah Al-Hajj (22:17): "Indeed, those who have believed and those who were Jews and the Sabians and the Christians and the Magians and those who associated others with Allah—Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection; indeed Allah is, over all things, Witness." This illustrates Allah's perfect justice and judgment in the Hereafter, where He will make known all their deeds and judge accordingly.
-
Sunan Abu Dawud 42:1
Sunan Abu Dawud · Book 42, Hadith 1 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "The Jews divided into seventy-one or seventy-two sects, and the Christians divided into seventy-one or seventy-two sects, and my nation will divide into seventy-three sects."
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →