In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

The shaykh mentions this point of benefit in his explanation of “Sharhus Sunnah” under the 110th point:

Imaam Barbahaaree said:

“That the foundations of innovation are (made up of) four sects”

What is apparent, and Allah knows best, that he meant the foundation of sects that the Prophet (peace be upon him) informed that will appear in his statement,

“…this nation of mine will split into seventy-three sects; one will be in Paradise and seventy-two will be in the Fire.”

It was asked, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He (peace be upon him) said,

“(Those who follow) what I and my Companions are following.” (Ibn Majah and others)

This is the saved sect that will remain upon the sunnah just as he (peace be upon him said),

“Verily he among you who lives long will see great controversy, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafa ar-Rashideen (the rightly guided caliphs)” (Abu Dawud)

So he (peace be upon him) informed that this nation will split just as the Jews and Christians split before them. This hadith is a warning and encouragement to cling to the Sunnah when these groups appear. There is no salvation except with the Sunnah, and whoever leaves it will become from amongst the groups in the fire. There are many sects that have appeared, but the foundations of these sects are four.

Translated by: Michael AbdusSalaam Deonarain

الفقير الى الله

Part 2: The Shi’ah
Part 3: The Qadariyah
Part 4: The Khawaarij
Part 5: The Murji’ah