Sharʿi Clarification on Jamaʿah, Leadership, and the Ḥadīth of Jāhiliyyah Death
Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil, Issues of Jihād & Leadership, Vol. 1, Page 452
❖ Question (Detailed, in light of Qur’an & Sunnah)
The ḥadīth states that whoever separates from the jamaʿah and dies, his death is a death of jāhiliyyah. For the establishment of a jamaʿah, the presence of an amīr is necessary, and without an amīr the jamaʿah is incomplete.
We know that within the Ahl-e-Ḥadīth there are different amīrs and different groups. Which jamaʿah and which amīr should we follow? Are you yourself affiliated with any amīr and jamaʿah? Many of our scholars say that the Ahl-e-Ḥadīth are upon the truth, since they only call to the Qur’an and Sunnah and adhere to it. Then the question arises: why have multiple amīrs and multiple groups been formed? There should be only one amīr and one jamaʿah, otherwise we should separate from all of them. Please guide us correctly for the sake of Allah.
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
The statement in the ḥadīth that whoever separates from the jamaʿah and dies, his death is a death of jāhiliyyah—
this ruling applies only when there exists a true jamaʿah and a rightful amīr.
If such a jamaʿah and amīr do not exist, then according to the guidance of the aḥādīth and Sharīʿah, the ruling is that one should remain apart from all such groups.
In this one principle lies the answer to all your questions: reflect upon it, and remain steadfast upon the Qur’an and Sunnah.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
