Abu Huraira told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “He who abandons obedience and separates from the community and then dies, will die like those of pre-Islamic times; he who fights under a banner of ignorance* showing anger in support of party spirit, or summoning people to party spirit, or helping party spirit, and then is killed will be killed like those of pre-Islamic times; and he who goes out against my people with his sword smiting the virtuous and the reprobate, not keeping away from those who are believers or observing covenants which have been made, has nothing to do with me and I have nothing to do with him.” Muslim transmitted it.*'Immiya, or 'ummiya, meaning either pride or error. I have translated it as ‘‘ignorance, for it is explained as being here used of people who fight without considering whether they are in the right or not.
The Offices of Commander and Qadi - Mishkat al-Masabih 3669
A commentary by Imam Mishkat al-Masabih on the grave consequences of abandoning Islamic governance and community unity.
Exposition of the Three Grave Sins
The Prophet (peace be upon him) delineates three categories of people who die in a state of jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance): First, one who abandons obedience to the legitimate Muslim ruler and separates from the jama'ah (community). This indicates the obligation of maintaining unity under Islamic leadership.
Second, one who fights under the banner of ignorance - meaning without proper Islamic justification, driven by tribal partisanship ('asabiyyah) rather than truth. The term 'immiya refers to fighting without knowledge of whether one's cause is righteous.
Third, one who rebels against the Muslim community, killing indiscriminately without regard for covenants or the sanctity of believers' lives. Such a person severs their connection with the Prophet himself.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that obedience to the legitimate ruler is obligatory unless he commands disobedience to Allah. Separation from the community refers to khawarij-style rebellion that fractures Muslim unity.
The "banner of ignorance" signifies any cause contrary to Islamic principles - whether nationalism, tribalism, or blind partisanship. The prohibition applies to those who initiate, promote, or assist such false causes.
The final warning concerns those who declare Muslims as apostates without legitimate cause (takfir) and spill forbidden blood. Such actions nullify one's connection to the Prophetic tradition.