How many sects in Islam ?

There is only one Islam. However there are Madhabs. we are all encourged to follow one madhab which will nearly always be the one in our area. We are also encourged to learn about each of the madhabs and follow the one that is best for us.

Now for sects, if you mean sects as defined in Christianity, there are none. If a person follows the Pillars of Faith and the Foundations of Islam they are Muslim, even if we disagree with the way they follow Islam.

However there are groups that call themselves Muslim, but they do not follow the Pillars of Faith or the Foundations of Islam. We do do not see them as sects, they are non-Muslim not matter what they call themselves.

However there will one day be division in Islam and it may have already begun. However, no matter how much Islam divides only those who follow the sunnah will be Muslim.

format_quote Originally Posted by hopeonallah

Sir/Madam,

I thought Islam does not have any sects . I thought Islam comes from Almighty and its means total submission to almighty . And Muslim means the person who total submitting him self to the will of almighty . But I got new information that, there are many sects in Islam call Shiyah, Sunni, Hanafi, Shafi, Maleki, Humbly etc ... from www.sunniforum.com . What those are ? I thought Islam is a very simple and easy religion but it seems to be more complicated . Muslim people love to make different from each sects . What is that ?

Asalaamu Alaikum, According to Mufti Mohammed Sajjad regarding your question:

The view that the different schools create a lot of contradictions in Islam is a superficial understanding of Islam. First of all, there were differences of opinion right from the time of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) and he did not believe such differences in the manner an act is performed as harmful rather he said they were a mercy upon the ummah, so long as the differing opinions had at the back of them some kind of evidence.

For example, after returning from the battle of the trench, he (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) dispatched a group of companions to the jewish tribe of Quraiza, and said to them “let not one of you pray Asr but that he is at Bani Quraiza.” Now, the companions got delayed somewhat during their journey there and Asr time had not only entered as they were travelling, but it was about to end. The companions halted and some of them said they should pray Asr Salah immediately where they were, as otherwise it would become Qaza. Others insisted that they would only pray it at Bani Quraiza as the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) had told them even if it meant they would have to offer Asr after its time as Qaza. Thus there were two groups amongst the Sahabah with contradictory views.
When they again met the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam), they all went to him and narrated what had transpired and asked him to adjudicate between the two parties, as to which group was right. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) did not reprimand any party amongst them, rather on the contrary he said both of them were right and neither had to repeat their prayer. In other words in this amazing example we see clearly when scholars use their minds to understand some command there is a natural difference that can occur and this is not blameworthy but tolerated, as seen in this incident which is soundly narrated in the books of hadith, including Sahih al-Bukhari.

So my brother rather than make such conclusions you should learn about the four schools of thought because they are not sects. Knowledge will bring clarity.

If there is anything else you want to ask then please do not hesitate to do so

And Allah knows best in all matters

format_quote Originally Posted by hopeonallah

Sir/Madam,

I am facing an error here . Its become one side communication . I am not able to reply others replied . I dont need one site communication . communication should be done by both site .

Sorry about that. This is a fully moderated section and while all mods can see your posts the members can not until they are approved by either the mod of the section or an admin. I did not notice your post had not been approved. I apologize for not noticing. It is approved now

format_quote Originally Posted by hopeonallah

HI ! " Woodrow"

I guess you have no knowledge about different between Madhhabs . Each Madhabs contradict between other Madhabs . Do you know the meaning of Madhhab? Please don't reply by influenced your assumptions .

I am just now learning about the 4 madhabs. While at first appearance it seems the 4 madhabs do contradict each other, I can not find where any of the 4 contradict the Ahadith or Qur'an. If none of them contradict the Ahadith or Quran each is halal and of equal value. We have a difference of methodology not of belief or failure to follow the sunnah.

If you can show me where any of the four contradict the Qur'an, the Ahadith or the sunnah please let me know as I am always eager to learn if I am in error.

Salam
I learned alot from this thread

But I have a question, if you believe that Prophet Muhammad (saw) is not the last prophet
Does it affect your deen/iman? For I blv Quran said that Prophet Muhammad is the last messenger

also, we are obligatory to pray 5times daily, some combines it and make it 3times daily
any comments about this pls

thank you