The Ummah of Muhammad (ﷺ) Will Be Divided into 73 Sects

 

Muslims, by following their own desires, have split into 73 sects and subgroups. Among them, only one group will enter Paradise. Which group is that? Learn about it and the divisions.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“The Jews were divided into 71 sects, the Christians into 72 sects, and my Ummah will be divided into 73 sects. All of them will be in Hell except one.”

The companions asked,

“O Messenger of Allah! Which is that one group?”

He replied:

“Those who follow my way and the way of my companions.”

(Source: Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Sahih al-Jami’, Hadith No. 1844, etc.)

Identification of the 73 Sects:

1. Firqa-e-Najiya (The Saved Group) – “Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah”

They hold the Qur’an and authentic Hadith as the main source of guidance.

They follow the path of the Sahabah (companions).

They follow one of the four major madhhabs: Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali.

In terms of beliefs (‘Aqeedah), they may align with: Salafi, Ash’ari, or Maturidi schools.

72 Misguided Sects (Brief Introduction):

Shia Sects (Deviated in Belief)

Imamiyyah (Twelver Shia) – They place Imamate above Prophethood.

Ismailiyyah – Recognize Ismail as the true Imam.

Zaydiyyah – Consider Ali superior but do not reject Abu Bakr and Umar.

Alawi / Nusayri – Extreme beliefs; consider Ali (RA) as Allah.

Kharijite Sects

Azariqa

Najdat

Sufriyya

Ibadiyyah – Still present in Oman.

Qadariyyah & Jabariyyah (Deviated regarding Predestination and Free Will)

Qadariyyah – Believe in absolute human free will.

Jabariyyah – Deny human free will, believe everything is compelled by Allah.

Mu’tazilah (Rationalist Sect)

Original Mu’tazilah

Basra Mu’tazilah

Baghdad Mu’tazilah

Murji’ah (Give Less Importance to Actions Compared to Belief)

Fazilah Murji’ah

Safiyyah

Yunusiyyah

Jahmiyyah (Deny Allah’s Attributes)

Original Jahmiyyah – Interpret Allah’s throne and attributes symbolically.

Mutarrafiyyah

Other Bid’ah (Innovative) Sects

Karramiyyah – Believe Allah has a physical body.

Kullabiyyah – Believe the words of the Qur’an are created.

Nasibis – Hate the Sahabah, especially Ali (RA).

Common Characteristics of Misguided Sects:

 Topic                         Type of Deviation    

Belief (‘Aqeedah)         Distorted interpretations of Allah’s attributes, elevating Imams over                                                         Prophets    

Predestination (Qadr) One group believes in full free will; another rejects it completely    

Respect for the Prophet Some exaggerate (above Prophethood), others show disrespect    

View on Sahabah         Shia and Kharijites insult the companions    

Acceptance of Hadith Some accept only the Qur’an and reject Hadith  

Conclusion:

The division of the Ummah into 73 sects is mentioned in Hadith as a prophecy from the Prophet (ﷺ). The core teaching is to avoid deviated paths and remain steadfast on sound belief and practice.

A part of the Hadith from Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) mentions:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “My Ummah will be divided into 73 sects, all of whom will be in Hell except one.” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, which group is that?”

The Prophet replied, “That which I and my companions are upon.” (This refers to the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah)

Sources: Tirmidhi Sharif, Mishkat Sharif (Vol. 1, Page 236), Mazahir al-Haqq (Vol. 1, Page 230), Mirqat (Vol. 1, Page 248), etc.