Sects of Islam - Definition, Etymology, and Diversity
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: فرقة (Firqah) - Plural: فرق (Firaq)
- Turkish: Mezhepler or Fırkalar
Prophetic Prediction
Muhammad is believed to have predicted the division of his followers into numerous religious sects. ʿAbd Allah ibn ʿUmar relates that the Prophet said:
“Verily it will happen to my people even as it did to the Children of Israel. The Children of Israel were divided into seventy-two sects, and my people will be divided into seventy-three. Every one of these sects will go to Hell except one sect.” The Companions asked, “O Prophet, which is that?” He replied, “The religion which is professed by me and my Companions.” (Mishkāt, book i. ch. vi. pt. 2).
Despite the Prophet’s prediction of seventy-three sects, the actual number has far exceeded this, reflecting a rich diversity comparable to that found in Christianity.
Major Sunni Schools of Thought
Within Sunni Islam, four major schools of jurisprudence are considered orthodox:
- Ḥanafīyah: Predominantly in Turkey, Central Asia, and North India. Founded by Imām Abū Ḥanīfah (al-Kūfah, 702 AD).
- Shāfiʿīyah: Common in South India and Egypt. Established by Imām Muḥammad ibn Idrīs ash-Shāfiʿī (Asqalon, Palestine, 767 AD).
- Malakīyah: Found mainly in Morocco and other parts of Africa. Created by Imām Mālik (al-Madīnah, 714 AD).
- Ḥambalīyah: Present in Eastern Arabia and parts of Africa, though it’s the least popular of the four. Founded by Imām Aḥmad ibn Ḥambal (Bag͟hdād, 780 AD), connected to the rise of the Wahhābī movement.
Other Significant Divisions
The Rāfiẓīyah (Separatists)
A group focusing on the leadership of ʿAlī and his descendants, with various sub-sects like the ʿAlawīyah, Ẕaidīyah, and Imāmīyah.
The K͟hārijīyah (Aliens)
Originally revolted from ʿAlī. Known for their strict beliefs about piety and leadership, with subdivisions like the Azraqīyah and Riyāẓīyah.
The Jabarīyah (Deniers of Free Will)
Believe in divine predestination with various interpretations on human responsibility and divine justice.
The Qadarīyah (Asserters of Free Will)
Advocates for free will in humankind, counteracting the Jabarīyah stance, with sub-sects emphasizing rational spiritual agency.
The Jahimīyah
Followers of Jahim ibn Ṣafwān, holding unique views on the nature of God’s attributes and human destiny.
The Murjīyah (Procrastinators)
Focused on faith being sufficient for salvation, minimizing the emphasis on works and piety.
Comprehensive Lists Provided
For a detailed list of groups and their specific beliefs, along with the historical context presented in traditional sources like the G͟hiyās̤u ʾl-Lug͟hāt, one could delve into further sub-classifications and specifics influencing modern-day debates.
Scholarly Perspectives
Islamic sects can be fundamentally traced to four main intellectual streams according to Mr. Sale and other scholars:
- Muʿtazilīyah: Rationalists who emphasize divine justice.
- Ṣifātīyah: Oppositional to Muʿtazilīyah, asserting divine attributes.
- K͟hārijīyah: Political and theological radicals.
- Shīʿahs: Focus on ʿAlī and his rightful leadership lineage.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Four Imams: Their Lives, Works, and Their Schools of Thought” by Muhammad Abu Zahra
- “The Formation of Islam: Religion and Society in the Near East, 600-1800” by Jonathan P. Berkey
- “Islamic Sects and Divisions: The Section on Muslim Sects in Kitab al-Milal wa al-Nihal” by A. K. Kazi and J. G. Flynn
Key Takeaways
- Diversity: Islam’s rich doctrinal diversity surpasses even the vast array predicted by Prophet Muhammad.
- Schools of Thought: Four primary Sunni schools of jurisprudence coexist, each with unique interpretations of Islamic law.
- Sect Variation: Major sects like the Rāfiẓīyah, K͟hārijīyah, and Murjīyah represent significant theological and political variety.
Conclusion
The sects of Islam reflect a complex tapestry of theological, legal, and spiritual interpretations, underscoring the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Islamic belief and practice. Understanding these divisions is crucial for appreciating the historical and contemporary realities of Muslim communities worldwide.
