Muslims and Sectarianism - Which Imaam do you follow?

If you are from an Indo-Pak decent then no doubt, at least once in your lifetime, you were interrogated and scrutinized over your fealty to an Imaam or Madhab. You were probably asked, which Masjid you go, and if invited to another Masjid, to listen to another Imaam or Scholar, you probably declined because you already committed to Madhab or School of Thought, whose views are absolute and final for you.

Not long ago, the Jewish people divided themselves atrociously in a similar manner, erecting their separate two-inch Masajid behind a self-appointed, ostensible leaders who advocated their own brand of religion, mincing all other brands of religion. Result? Full out sectarian feud and violence.

Allah says,

قُلْ مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِّجِبْرِيلَ فَإِنَّهُ نَزَّلَهُ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Say, "Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel – it is [none but] he who has brought the Qur’ān down upon your heart, [O Muúammad], by permission of Allāh, confirming that which was before it and as guidance and good tidings for the believers." [Qur'an, 2:97]

The Jewish people disdainfully prided over their Prophetic lineage. They pompously assumed that they were the beloved of Allah since all Prophets and kings, in the past, were born into their bloodline. Their vanity was vanished when Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) from a different ancestry. Though Jirbreel was only fulfilling Allah's command, the Jews hated him for bringing Allah's revelation to a man, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) who did not share their genealogy or descent.

However, the difference was not that substantial. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was from the offsprings of Ibrahim (a.s), the father of their Prophets and Kings.  Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was sent a message which was a continuation and confirmation of the truths in the Torah. The Qur'an was meant to be a source of guidance and good news for the Jews. Still they staunchly denied and vehemently opposed Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

Like the bygone Jews, Muslims are equally bigoted.  We obstinately convinced that only our distinct Imaam and his group are superior and correct in all matters of theology and religious jurisprudence. We ascribe to extreme prejudice against all other Imaams and their following because they have slightly different views.  Then arguments shelled back and forth, death threats howled from the TV screen to the streets. Eventually Masajid are bombed and the entire city bathes in blood and carnage.

Allah warned the Jews in the continuing verse,

مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِّلَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَجِبْرِيلَ وَمِيكَالَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَدُوٌّ لِّلْكَافِرِينَ

Whoever is an enemy to Allāh and His angels and His messengers and Gabriel and Michael – then indeed, Allāh is an enemy to the disbelievers. [Qur'an 2:98]

Allah reckons His enemies all those who view Him, His Angels and His Prophets as their enemies. So treating the Scholars, who teach Islam and are supporters of Allah, His Angels and His Prophets, with antagonism and animosity may also incur the severe wrath of Allah. Can anyone hope to succeed when Allah has listed them as His enemy? No wonder today we have so many teachers and students of Islam but very little appreciation and apprehension of the Qur'an. So many Masajid but very few people who pray on time. So many Da'wah projects and websites but very few people who know Allah, are mindful of Him and follow Him from the depths of their heart out of love and respect.

These verses come as a warning to us Muslims who are caught in a web of  aggression and belligerence against Scholars. We pit one A-lim and Imaam against the other simply because the other associate with a particular sect or ideology which we do not follow. We want to swat each other like flies, thinking only we have more right to exist, to speak and to lead. Actually, in the light of these verses, everyone should get along. There shouldn't be any disparagement in matters of religion - just accept everything that Allah has commanded, in the Qur'an, in its entirety. There, problem solved! Make Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w) an arbitrator of truth and falsehood and inshaAllah we will never fall into dispute with any other Muslim ever again.

But if people still do not agree, after clear proof from the Qur'an and Sunnah are explicated, then know that such people are inherently disobedient to Allah. They have a disease of arrogance and hypocrisy in their heart. Like Allah says,

 وَلَقَدْ أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ آيَاتٍ بَيِّنَاتٍ  وَمَا يَكْفُرُ بِهَا إِلَّا الْفَاسِقُونَ

 And We have certainly revealed to you verses [which are] clear proofs, and no one would deny them except the defiantly disobedient. [Qur'an 2:99]

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There is something fascinating in the story of Harut and Marut too.

Allah says,

وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَى الْمَلَكَيْنِ بِبَابِلَ هَارُوتَ وَمَارُوتَ وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌ فَلَا تَكْفُرْ

and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Hārūt and Mārūt. But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, "We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic]."  [Qur'an, 2:102]

This verse really speaks to the common person like myself, who often hear people locking horns over which Scholar to follow and which to stay away from. Harut and Marut were sent to Babylon as a test for the people. They warned everyone not to learn magic and commit "kufr" thereby. This story really taught me that in life, many people will cross our path, each will enter our life with their own baggage of knowledge and experiences. We are responsible to stay away from "fitnah" and stay away fro things which will incur Allah's displeasure and cause us to suffer loss in the Hereafter.

Qur'an is the most essential, greatest, and final means of illumination, veracity and guidance. Qur'an holds the pinnacle of Allah's pleasure and reward. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "the best amongst you are those who study the Qur'an and teach it" [Bukhari]. Don't we want to be the best of the people in the sight of Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w)? Then let's leave hatred and animosity and embrace the loving mercy, instructions and guidance of Allah in the Qur'an.
Our utmost loyalty and commitment should be to Allah. Let's make ourselves sincere and pure for His worship and to His cause. Abandon all efforts to vilify people and spread aspersions and disparagements about Scholars. And actually read the full Qur'an before we defend or deny anyone.
On the Day of Judgment, no scholar, friend or family member will avail us before Allah.  Let's not blindly follow anyone so that we are regretful on the Day of Judgment for our mindless allegiances to some and witless accusations against others.