Sectarian Rivalries: Groups prioritize their madhhab over the Quran and Sunnah.
This is why blind following of madhhabs is not Islamic.
Prophetic Warning Against Sectarianism
"Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects, you, [O Muhammad], are not [associated] with them in anything."
(Quran 6:159)
"Do not be divided, and hold firmly to the rope of Allah (the Quran) altogether."
(Quran 3:103)
The Salafi Approach: Follow Evidence, Not Blind Adherence
Salafiyyah calls for adhering strictly to the Quran and Sunnah, rejecting sectarianism, and following evidence-based interpretations.
Proof That Salafiyyah Is the Correct Path
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me."
Sahih al-Bukhari (5063) and Sahih Muslim (1401).
"The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets."
Sunan Abu Dawood (3641), Tirmidhi (2682).
Thus, the way of the Salaf-us-Saleheen is the safest and most authentic path.
The Question of Madhhab Adherence: Which One Should You Follow?
If madhhab adherence is wajib, the question arises: Which madhhab?
Hanafi: Deobandi or Barelvi?
Shafi'i: Ash'ari or non-Ash'ari?
Maliki or Hanbali?
Even within a single madhhab like Hanafi, there are conflicting sects and sub-sects, making blind adherence impractical and divisive.
Conclusion
Islam is not about blindly following sects, sub-sects, or madhhabs. The imams themselves warned against it and emphasized following the Quran and Sunnah. Sectarianism has divided the ummah, while the Prophet ﷺ commanded us to unite upon the truth.
The only way forward is to
Follow the Quran and Sunnah as understood by the Salaf-us-Saleheen.
Reject sectarian divisions and blind adherence.
Base our beliefs and actions on evidence, not tradition.
References
Sahih al-Bukhari (2652), (5063).
Sahih Muslim (2533), (1718), (1401).
Ibn Qayyim, I'lam al-Muwaqqi'in, vol. 2, p. 302.
Al-Nawawi, Majmu' Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, vol. 1, p. 63.
Al-Bayhaqi, Manaqib al-Shafi'i, vol. 1, p. 469.
Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, vol. 1, p. 63.
Quran (6:159), (3:103).
By following the Quran, Sunnah, and the way of the Salaf-us-Saleheen, we can achieve clarity, unity, and guidance in our religion.
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