If the Prophet(pbuh) said that there would be 73 sects amongst muslims,is it wrong if I say I am shia or sunni as I prove him right?
I)Origination of sects
All these sects originated years after the Prophet(pbuh),and if one examines them closely,the differences are political.Thier interpretation of Islam is based on the Quraan,but also mixed may be some other influences which come from politics or thier own local customs.
In SUNAN ABU-DAWUD
Book 40, Number 4579:(Narrated AbuHurayrah)
The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: "The Jews were split up into seventy-one or seventy-two sects; and the Christians were split up into seventy one or seventy-two sects; and my community will be split up into seventy-three sects. "
The Prophet did say that we would split but did not order us to do so.
We can say this because the following verses of the Quraan forbid us to break into sects.
"And be not like those who became divided and disagreed after clear arguments had come to them, and these it is that shall have a grievous chastisement. "
(3:105)
So if any person who claims to be a muslim must not follow the concepts of sects.
II)The true sect
Most scholars are of the opinion that the true Ummah will follow the Quraan & the sunnah of the Prophet.Following the Quraan means not following any sect but just being a muslim.
III)How do we deal with all the sects today?
We must recognize this as one of the biggest problem faced by the Ummah.We lack unity.If we oppose them we would futher drift away,rather,we follow the Quraan,which orders us to leave them alone & let Allah deal with them.Atleast we should follow what is common & stop fighting.
"As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did. "
(6:159)
IV)CONCLUSIONS:
1)We are one & must be united.
2)We should not follow any sect but follow the Prophet(pbuh) who was a muslim & did not belong to any sect.
3)We should not oppose any sect but should leave them to Allah as opposition within the Ummah will make us futher weak.