The Many Islamic Groups and Their Differences

Question :

These days we hear talk of many different Islamic groups that call to Allâh Almighty. Which of these groups should we follow? And what should the Muslim's stance be on the issue of differences among the various groups?

Answer:

I feel that this situation is painful and disquieting, for the Islamic awakening of today might wane as a result of it.

Because if people differ, they will be as Allah Almighty describes:
"And do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs."

All enemies of Islam those who oppose Islam openly or those who openly support Islam but inwardly plot against it___are pleased by this disunity. They are indeed the ones who are fuelling the fire of discord, by planting seeds of hatred and rancor in the hearts of some Muslims against the hearts of other Muslims, who are all calling to Islam.

What is obligatory for us is to stop the plotting of the enemies of Allâh Almighty, His Messenger, His religion. Let us be one nation, gathering together and benefiting from one another. Let us be as one caller to Islam. The way to this unity is by gathering the leaders in different countries - those whose people listen to - so that they can study the situation and make a plan that is universally applied by all. It is not important that their methods of calling to Allâh Almighty are different. What is important, though, is that they are loving brothers who are united upon the truth.

The questioner asked which of these groups is the best. If I said that such and such group is the best, I would accept the disunity, and I don't accept it. I believe that we should look at the predicament we find ourselves in with honesty and sincerity to Allah Almighty, to His Book, to His Messenger, to the Muslim Imams, and to the common Muslims. Let us be one hand, and the truth all praise belongs to Allah is clear. It remains unclear to only one of two people to someone who turns away from it or to someone who is proud. As for he who proceeds to the truth with sincerity and submission, he will certainly be guided to it.

Source:
Ibn 'Uthaimin
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 8 Pages 52-53