Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah: Their Distinct Identity and Foundational Principles Source: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
Who Are Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah?
Alḥamdulillāh, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
Definition of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah
◈ Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah refers to those:
✿ Who firmly adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
✿ Who maintain unity by collectively committing themselves to the Sunnah
✿ Who do not resort to anything other than the Sunnah in matters of knowledge, belief, and practice
Why They Are Called "Ahl al-Sunnah"
◈ They are known as “Ahl al-Sunnah” because:
✿ They hold fast to the Prophetic Sunnah
✿ They make following the Sunnah their defining hallmark in every matter of religion
Why They Are Called "Ahl al-Jamā‘ah"
◈ They are called “Ahl al-Jamā‘ah” because:
✿ They unite upon the Sunnah
✿ They avoid sectarianism by remaining collectively committed to it
In Contrast to the People of Innovation (Ahl al-Bid‘ah)
◈ When we observe the state of Ahl al-Bid‘ah, it becomes clear:
✿ They are plagued with conflicts in belief and practice
✿ These disputes are direct evidence that:
❀ The more they invent innovations in religion,
❀ The further they stray from the Sunnah
❝ Hādhā mā ‘indī, wallāhu a‘lam biṣ-ṣawāb ❞
(This is what I know; and Allah knows best what is right.)
