Q 2: What is the obligation of Muslim scholars toward the numerous associations and groups in both Muslim and nonMuslim countries, especially when differences arise among them and each of them accuses others of deviation? Do not you believe that it is better to explain the truth regarding these differences lest they should grow worse and lead to further divergence among Muslims?
A: Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained one path which Muslims must follow, namely, AlSiratulMustaqim (the Straight Path) and the Manhaj (methodology) of Allah's Din (Islam). Allah (Exalted be He) states: "And verily, this (i.e. Allâh's Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152) is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become AlMuttaqûn (the pious see V.2:2)." Also, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has forbidden the Muslim Ummah (community) from division and disunity, because they are causes of failure and the domination of enemies.
And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be not divided among yourselves
He (Allâh) has ordained for you the same religion (Islâmic Monotheism) which He ordained for Nûh (Noah), and that which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad ﺻﻠﻰ ﺍﷲ ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﻭ ﺳﻠﻢ), and that which We ordained for Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Mûsâ (Moses) and ' Isâ (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikûn, is that (Islamic Monotheism) to which you (O Muhammad ﺻﻠﻰ ﺍﷲ ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﻭ ﺳﻠﻢ) call them.
This is a divine call for hearts and minds to be united. If there are a lot of associations in any Muslim country for the sake of doing good, offering help, and engaging in cooperation in piety and righteousness and those in charge have the same objectives, this is a blessing that will yield great benefits. Conversely, if every association misguides the other and criticizes its work, there will be great harm and evil consequences. Accordingly, Muslim scholars are required to explain
the truth and discuss every group or association advising them all to follow the path prescribed by Allah for His Servants and called to by our Prophet Muhammad. When someone deviates from this path and is stubborn for personal interests or objectives that none but Allah knows, it is obligatory to defame and warn the people against them. By doing so, people will avoid them and those who are unaware of their reality will not join their group or association or be deviated from AlSiratulMustaqim that Allah has ordered us to follow in the following Ayah (Qur'anic verse): "And verily, this (i.e. Allâh's Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152) is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become AlMuttaqûn (the pious see V.2:2)." First of all, there is no doubt that having a lot of groups and sects in the Muslim community is one of the objectives of Satan and of the enemies of Islam. This is because the Muslims' agreement and unity and their realization of the imminent danger threatening their `Aqidah (creed) prompt them to actively combat this threat and stand together for the public interest and warding off danger away from their Din, countries, and fellow Muslims. Definitely, the enemies of Islam from among mankind and Jinn (creatures created from fire) are displeased with this, since they are keen on dividing and disuniting the Muslims and planting seeds of enmity among them. We ask Allah to unite Muslims to AlHaqq (the Truth) and remove any Fitnah (temptation) and misguidance from their communities, for He, Alone, is indeed the One Capable of doing so.