Commitment to the Prophetic Way: 4 Distinct Qualities of the Saved Sect and Causes of Exclusion Source: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
Question
Complete adherence to the Prophetic model is the hallmark of the Saved Sect (Firqat al-Nājiyah).
What are its defining characteristics, and can one be excluded from it by falling short in those traits?
Answer
Alḥamdulillāh, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
Key Characteristics of the Saved Sect (Firqat al-Nājiyah)
The Saved Sect is distinguished by its complete following of the Prophet ﷺ in the following four domains:
➊ Adherence in Beliefs
◈ They firmly uphold pure Tawḥīd.
◈ Their beliefs about Allah’s Lordship, Divinity, and Names & Attributes are based strictly on the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah.
➋ Conformity in Worship
◈ They perform all forms of worship exactly as practiced by the Prophet ﷺ — in terms of type, description, quantity, time, location, and reason.
◈ They avoid all innovations and do not exceed the commands of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
◈ They maintain full reverence for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
➌ Excellence in Character
◈ They are known for compassion, goodwill, cheerfulness, gentleness, eloquence, generosity, and courage — excelling in all noble traits.
➍ Integrity in Dealings
◈ They are characterized by honesty in transactions.
◈ They apply the principles of truthfulness and transparency, as found in the Hadith:
"The buyer and the seller have the right to cancel the bargain unless they separate. If they speak the truth and make everything clear, they will be blessed in their transaction. But if they lie and conceal facts, the blessing of the sale will be erased."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2079; Sahih Muslim 1532)
Does Falling Short in These Traits Expel One from the Saved Sect?
General Rule:
Shortcomings in these qualities do not necessarily expel a person from the Saved Sect, though they affect one’s rank and status.
Detailed Clarification:
➊ Deficiency in Beliefs:
◈ A lapse in Tawḥīd or sincerity, or engaging in innovation, can sometimes lead to exclusion from the Saved Sect.
➋ Negligence in Worship:
◈ Introducing bid‘ah (innovation) or departing from the principles of Sharī‘ah poses a risk of exclusion.
➌ Lack in Character and Transactions:
◈ These do not exclude one from the sect but may reduce one’s standing within it.
Moral Collectivism and Establishment of Religion
Islam commands collective morality and unity:
﴿شَرَعَ لَكُم مِنَ الدّينِ ما وَصّى بِهِ نوحًا... أَن أَقيمُوا الدّينَ وَلا تَتَفَرَّقوا فيهِ﴾
(Surah al-Shūrā, 42:13)
Translation:
“He has ordained for you the same religion which He enjoined upon Nūḥ, and that which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad), and what We enjoined upon Ibrāhīm, Mūsā, and ʿĪsā, saying: Establish the religion and do not be divided therein.”
Likewise:
﴿إِنَّ الَّذينَ فَرَّقوا دينَهُم وَكانوا شِيَعًا لَستَ مِنهُم فى شَىءٍ﴾
(Surah al-Anʿām, 6:159)
Translation:
“Indeed, those who divided their religion and became sects — you have nothing to do with them.”
Ijtihād-Based Differences and the Unity of the Saved Sect
◈ The Saved Sect is recognized by its mutual affection and unity of hearts.
◈ They do not let juristic differences lead to enmity or hatred.
◈ They continue to pray behind one another, even with differing opinions in non-fundamental matters.
Example:
If a person follows an imām who has eaten camel meat (and doesn’t consider it to break wudu), while the follower believes it does — the prayer is still valid. This is because the issue is based on ijtihād, not on fundamental belief.
The Prophet’s ﷺ Handling of Disagreement
After the Battle of Ahzāb, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“None of you should pray ʿAsr except at Banū Qurayẓah.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 946; Sahih Muslim 1770)
◈ Some Companions prayed on the way, while others delayed until reaching Banū Qurayẓah.
◈ The Prophet ﷺ did not rebuke either group, showing that such ijtihād-based variation is acceptable.
Condemning Sectarianism and Promoting Unity
◈ Forming sects or slandering others due to juristic differences is impermissible.
◈ We must hold fast to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ as one united Ummah.
◈ The enemies of Islam aim to divide Muslims, and the Saved Sect must resist this by remaining unified on truth.
❝ Hādhā mā ‘indī, wallāhu a‘lam biṣ-ṣawāb ❞
(This is what I know; and Allah knows best what is right.)
