An Overview of the Characteristics of Ahl al-Sunnah wa -al-Jama’ah (Part One)
Abstract
Familiarity with Islamic sects and different beliefs is considered one of the most important sciences in both the past and present. Throughout different ages, many books have been written on the “Science of Differences and Sects.” Writers and authors have pursued various purposes in this regard. Sometimes, they have attempted to prove their own sect as correct and other sects as false; at other times, they have investigated and acknowledged different religions and sects without prejudice. However, the fact remains that everyone considers their own sect to be right and correct. According to the interpretation of the Qur’an: «كُلُّ ِحزْبٍ بِمَا لَدَيْهِمْ فَرِحُونَ» Translation: “Each group is happy with what they have.”
But Allah knows best which group is on the path of truth and correctness, and which group is on the path of falsehood and error: «قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَى شَاكِلَتِهِ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَى سَبِيلًا» Translation: “Say, ‘Everyone works according to his own way, and your Lord knows best whose way is more correct.'”
In any case, knowledge of sects and familiarity with Islamic beliefs contribute to the understanding and growth of religious and Islamic concepts, and serve as a step towards the unity and coherence of different Islamic sects. Islamic thinkers have recognized this important issue and established the “World Council for the Approximation of Islamic Sects.” For this purpose, we have briefly discussed the sect of “Ahl al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah” and highlighted some of its religious features in this article. It is hoped that it will be well-received by the esteemed readers.
Keywords: Sunnah, Jama’ah, Ash’ari, Matridi.
The Literal Meaning of Ahl al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah
The term “Ahl al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah” consists of three components:
1. Ahl: Means follower or subject.
2. Sunnah: In this context, it refers to way, character, nature, custom, method, and Sharia. As stated in the Qur’an in the same sense: «وَلَنْ تَجِدَ لِسُنَّةِ اللَّهِ تَبْدِيلًا» Translation: “And you will not see a change in Allah’s method.” And «سُنَّتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي قَدْ خَلَتْ فِي عِبَادِهِ» Translation: “This has been the tradition and the usual way of Allah regarding His servants.”
In terms of religious significance, Sunnah refers to the commands and prohibitions of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which have been narrated through his sayings and actions. The Sunnah of the Prophet reflects how he acted.
3. Jama’ah: This means group or congregation, specifically referring to the group of the Prophet’s companions.
By examining the term “Ahl al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah,” we gain a clearer understanding: Ahl al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah refers to the group of Muslims who, after the Qur’an, see the words and deeds of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as the criteria for Sharia rulings, while also considering the actions and teachings of the four caliphs and other companions as exemplary.
The contemporary Indian scholar, Allama Sayyed Sulaiman Nadwi, may Allah have mercy on him, defines “Ahl al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah” by stating: “The way of life and practice of the Holy Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, is called Sunnah. ‘Jama’ah’ literally means group, but in this context, it refers to the Prophet’s Companions, Peace be upon them. A Sunni or Ahl al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah is someone whose beliefs, actions, and issues are grounded in the correct Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his Companions.”
In other words: “Those who, in their beliefs, principles of life, worship, and morals, have chosen the way that the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his companions followed to reach their destination.”
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