Major Sects & Deviations in History

Major Sects and Deviations in Islamic History

Lessons from Division and the Preservation of Truth

Introduction

From the earliest generations, Islam emphasized unity upon the Qur’an and Sunnah. However, as the Muslim community grew, political conflicts, philosophical debates, and external influences gave rise to various sects and deviations.

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” Qur’an 3:103

Early Sects

The Khawarij emerged during the time of Ali رضي الله عنه, known for their extreme views and harsh takfir (declaring Muslims as disbelievers).

The Shi’a developed as a sect centered on allegiance to the family of the Prophet ﷺ, eventually forming distinct theological doctrines.

“The Prophet ﷺ drew a line for us and said: ‘This is the straight path of Allah.’ Then he drew lines to the right and left and said: ‘These are paths, upon each is a devil calling to it.’” Sunan al-Darimi 210

Philosophical and Theological Deviations

Later, groups like the Mu’tazilah promoted rationalism over revelation, while others introduced innovations in worship, creed, and practice.

“Beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance.” Sunan Abi Dawood 4607

Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah

Despite these divisions, the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah preserved the pure teachings of Islam through strict adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah, as understood by the Sahabah and their successors.

“The Jews split into seventy-one sects, the Christians into seventy-two sects, and this Ummah will split into seventy-three sects, all of which are in the Fire except one.” They asked: “Which one is it, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “That which I and my Companions are upon today.” Sunan Ibn Majah 3991

Lessons from History

These deviations serve as lessons: whenever Muslims strayed from revelation toward desires, philosophy, or extremism, unity and clarity were lost. The history of sects reminds us that true guidance lies in holding fast to the Book of Allah and the authentic Sunnah.

“And this is My straight path, so follow it; and do not follow other ways, for they will separate you from His way.” Qur’an 6:153

Addressing Misconceptions

• All sects equal? Some claim all sects are valid, but the Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize one straight path.
• Innovation as progress? True progress in Islam is returning to revelation, not creating new beliefs.
• Unity without creed? Real unity is based on revelation, not ignoring differences in aqeedah.

Scholars like Imam al-Shafi’i, Imam Ahmad, and Ibn Taymiyyah warned against sectarianism and emphasized returning to Qur’an and Sunnah.

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 3:103 : Holding firmly to Allah’s rope.
• Qur’an 6:153 : Following the straight path.
• Sunan al-Darimi 210 : The Prophet ﷺ warning against divergent paths.
• Sunan Abi Dawood 4607 : Every innovation is misguidance.
• Sunan Ibn Majah 3991 : The Ummah splitting into sects.

Secondary Sources

• Imam al-Shahrastani, al-Milal wa’l-Nihal : Classical work on sects in Islam.
• Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo‘ al-Fatawa : Writings on innovations and sectarianism.
• Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Usul al-Sunnah : Creed of Ahl al-Sunnah against deviations.