The Saved Sect: Explanation in the Light of Qur’an and Hadith
Source: Aḥkām wa Masā’il fī Ḍaw’ al-Qur’ān wa al-Ḥadīth, Vol. 01, p. 563
Question
A Deobandi scholar explained a ḥadīth in which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“My Ummah will divide into seventy-three sects. Only one of them will enter Paradise, and that sect will be the one that follows what I and my Companions are upon.”
That scholar interpreted it by saying:
Since all sects believe in Allah, His Messengers, His Books, and His Angels, therefore, on the Day of Judgment, Allah will take out individuals from every sect who had adopted the way of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions (raḍiyallāhu ‘anhum). These individuals, as a new group, will then be admitted into Paradise.
The question is: Is this interpretation correct?
Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa as-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, ammā ba‘d!
From among all groups who claim Islam and īmān, those individuals who adhere to Kitāb and Sunnah — whether in belief, speech, or action — all of them are from the saved ones. Whether they are Ahl-e-Ḥadīth, Deobandi, Barelvi, or belong to any other group, their salvation depends on their adherence to Qur’an and Sunnah.
True success and salvation is attained only by the one who studies the Qur’an and Hadith, understands them, and acts upon them.
Therefore, firmly bear in mind and clearly understand that the sole criterion of salvation is following Qur’an and Sunnah.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
