The division of the Ummah into 73 sects is one of the significant teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). It emphasizes the importance of staying on the correct path and following the teachings of the Prophet and his companions. The Prophet warned that like the Jews and Christians before us, the Muslim Ummah would be divided, but only one group would be on the right path. This content explores several hadiths related to the division of the Ummah, discussing their meanings in English, Arabic, and Urdu. We also delve into the key messages and lessons within these hadiths, explaining them in a simple, easy-to-understand way for all readers.
The Division of Jews, Christians, and Muslims
Hadith in English
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“The Jews split into seventy-one or seventy-two sects, and the Christians similarly, and my Ummah will split into seventy-three sects.”
(Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2640)
Hadith in Arabic
حَدَّثَنَا الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ حُرَيْثٍ أَبُو عَمَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا الْفَضْلُ بْنُ مُوسَى، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ “ تَفَرَّقَتِ الْيَهُودُ عَلَى إِحْدَى وَسَبْعِينَ أَوِ اثْنَتَيْنِ وَسَبْعِينَ فِرْقَةً وَالنَّصَارَى مِثْلَ ذَلِكَ وَتَفْتَرِقُ أُمَّتِي عَلَى ثَلاَثٍ وَسَبْعِينَ فِرْقَةً ” .
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابو ہریرہ رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا:
“یہود اکہتر یا بہتر فرقوں میں بٹ گئے اور عیسائی بھی اسی طرح، اور میری امت تہتر فرقوں میں تقسیم ہو جائے گی۔”
(ماخذ: جامع الترمذی 2640)
Key Lessons from This Hadith
This hadith teaches the importance of unity and following the correct path as shown by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions. Despite the divisions, it is essential to adhere to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, which will keep one on the path that leads to Paradise. The Prophet’s warning highlights the potential dangers of deviating from the true faith, emphasizing the need to stay committed to the right beliefs.
The Fate of the Sects
Hadith in English
It was narrated by ‘Awf ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“The Jews were divided into seventy-one sects, one of which is in Paradise and seventy are in the Fire. The Christians were divided into seventy-two sects, seventy-one of which are in the Fire and one is in Paradise. By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, my Ummah will be divided into seventy-three sects, one of which will be in Paradise and seventy-two will be in the Fire.”
(Source: Sunan Ibn Majah, No. 3982)
Hadith in Arabic
حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عُثْمَانَ بْنِ سَعِيدِ بْنِ كَثِيرِ بْنِ دِينَارٍ الْحِمْصِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبَّادُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، حَدَّثَنَا صَفْوَانُ بْنُ عَمْرٍو، عَنْ رَاشِدِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ، عَنْ عَوْفِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ” افْتَرَقَتِ الْيَهُودُ عَلَى إِحْدَى وَسَبْعِينَ فِرْقَةً فَوَاحِدَةٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَسَبْعُونَ فِي النَّارِ وَافْتَرَقَتِ النَّصَارَى عَلَى ثِنْتَيْنِ وَسَبْعِينَ فِرْقَةً فَإِحْدَى وَسَبْعُونَ فِي النَّارِ وَوَاحِدَةٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَالَّذِي نَفْسُ مُحَمَّدٍ بِيَدِهِ لَتَفْتَرِقَنَّ أُمَّتِي عَلَى ثَلاَثٍ وَسَبْعِينَ فِرْقَةً فَوَاحِدَةٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَثِنْتَانِ وَسَبْعُونَ فِي النَّارِ ” .
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت عوف بن مالک رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا:
“یہود اکہتر فرقوں میں بٹے، ان میں سے ایک جنت میں اور ستر جہنم میں جائیں گے۔ نصاری بہتر فرقوں میں تقسیم ہوئے، ان میں سے ایک جنت میں اور بہتر جہنم میں جائیں گے۔ محمد صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کی قسم، میری امت تہتر فرقوں میں بٹے گی، جن میں سے ایک جنت میں اور بہتر جہنم میں جائیں گے۔”
(ماخذ: سنن ابن ماجہ 3982)
Key Lessons from This Hadith
This hadith makes it clear that not all who claim to be Muslim will be on the right path. It stresses the importance of adhering to the teachings of Islam as they were practised by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions. The group that is destined for Paradise is described as “Al-Jamaa’ah,” which refers to those who follow the original beliefs and actions of Islam without deviating from them.
Who Are the Saved Group?
Hadith in English
In response to a question about who the saved group is, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Al-Jamaa’ah.” This group is characterized by following the true ‘aqeedah (belief) and actions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions.
(Source: Sunan Ibn Majah 3992)
Hadith in Arabic
حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عُثْمَانَ بْنِ سَعِيدِ بْنِ كَثِيرِ بْنِ دِينَارٍ الْحِمْصِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبَّادُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، حَدَّثَنَا صَفْوَانُ بْنُ عَمْرٍو، عَنْ رَاشِدِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ، عَنْ عَوْفِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ” الْجَمَاعَةُ ” .
Hadith in Urdu
رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے سوال کیا گیا کہ جنت میں جانے والا گروہ کون ہے؟ آپ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: “الجماعت”۔
(ماخذ: سنن ابن ماجہ 3992)
Key Lessons from This Hadith
The term “Al-Jamaa’ah” refers to those who strictly follow the correct Islamic beliefs and practices as taught by the Prophet and his companions. This hadith underlines the importance of unity and staying true to the original teachings of Islam. Those who innovate or deviate from these teachings are at risk of being among the misguided sects.
Conclusion
These hadiths highlight the significance of sticking to the teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and avoiding innovations in religion. While the hadiths indicate that divisions will occur, they also provide guidance on how to identify the correct path. The saved group, described as “Al-Jamaa’ah,” is a reminder for Muslims to adhere closely to the authentic teachings of Islam and the practices of the Prophet’s companions.
Moreover, the hadiths emphasize key aspects of Islamic theology, including Tawheed (the oneness of Allah), the importance of actions and deeds in faith, and the proper understanding of Qadaa’ wa’l-Qadar (divine decree). Each of these issues has been misunderstood by various sects, leading to further divisions. Following the authentic path is the key to success in this life and the hereafter.