Contemplating the current situation of the Muslims, you find that they have diverged into different sects and parties and each one is pleased with his own way. This one is Salafi, another is Sufi, a third belongs to the Tableeghi Jamaa`ah, and others fight the rest. Therefore, the Muslim finds himself very confused. If he joins the Salafis, the Sufis consider him a deviant. On the other hand, if he joins the Sufis, the Salafis consider him a deviant. What should a Muslim do regarding this conflict? Please advise.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The divergence of Muslims into many different groups is an inevitable, predestined matter. In this regard, Allah, The Almighty, Says (what means): {But they will not cease to differ. Except whom your Lord has given mercy} [Quran 11: 118-119]

Contrary to Sufism and other deviant sects, Ahlus-Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa‘ah (the Sunni mainstream) is the group whom Allah, The Almighty, has given mercy and has safeguarded from differing on all aspects of the religion, as well as its general and indisputable issues.

Every Muslim should know that Ahlus-Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa‘ah are the people of truth. This truth is based on adherence to the Quran and Sunnah and following the methodology of the Prophet his Companions and their successors in belief, conduct and deeds.

This is of course contrary to the Sufis who innovated into the religion of Allah, The Almighty, what He did not permit. Some of them even innovated to the point of Kufr (disbelief) such as Ibn Al-‘Arabi and Al-Hallaaj.

Furthermore, many of their sects have made various innovations in this religion. However, it should be taken into consideration that some Muslims, due to their asceticism, were labeled as Sufis even though they were not innovators but were true followers of the Sunnah, such as Al-Qaadhi ‘Iyaadh, Ma‘roof Al-Karkhi, Bishr Al-Haafi and others. They were indeed among the prominent Imaams of Ahlus-Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa‘ah.

Finally, we advise you to abide by the methodology of the Prophet and his Companions in creed and deed, because that is the path of the believers and the road to salvation.

We also advise you to accept the truth even if the one who gives the message is your opponent. Moreover, we advise you to avoid deviation and falsehood even if the one who promotes it is dear to you.

Allah Knows best.