Hadith Text & Context

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The Jews were split up into seventy-one or seventy-two sects; and the Christians were split up into seventy one or seventy-two sects; and my community will be split up into seventy-three sects." (Sunan Abi Dawud 4596)

This profound hadith from Kitab Al-Sunnah in Sunan Abi Dawud serves as a divine warning about the inevitable divisions that will occur within the Muslim Ummah, following the pattern of previous religious communities.

Scholarly Commentary

The numerical mention of seventy-three sects does not indicate a precise enumeration but rather signifies multiplicity and widespread division. Classical scholars like Imam al-Tahawi and Ibn Taymiyyah explain that this prophecy refers to groups that deviate from the mainstream understanding of Islam while still claiming affiliation to it.

The single saved sect (al-Firqatun-Najiyah) is identified by scholars as Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah - those who adhere to the Quran, the authentic Sunnah, and the consensus of the righteous predecessors (Salaf). They are characterized by following the methodology of the Prophet and his Companions in belief, worship, and conduct.

The differentiation between the seventy-two deviant sects and the one saved sect lies in their adherence to fundamental Islamic principles: correct understanding of Allah's attributes, affirmation of divine decree, proper approach to textual interpretation, and maintaining the middle path in all matters of religion.

Practical Implications

This hadith teaches Muslims to be vigilant about religious innovation (bid'ah) and to constantly refer back to the authentic sources of Islam for guidance. It emphasizes the importance of unity upon truth rather than unity at the expense of correct belief and practice.

Scholars caution that this prophecy should not lead to excessive sectarian labeling or takfir (declaring others as unbelievers). Rather, it serves as a reminder to continuously purify one's understanding and practice of Islam according to the Quran and authentic Sunnah.