that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The Jews split into seventy-one sects, or seventy-two sects, and the Christians similarly, and my Ummah will split into seventy-three sects."
Hadith Text & Reference
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The Jews split into seventy-one sects, or seventy-two sects, and the Christians similarly, and my Ummah will split into seventy-three sects."
Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2640 | Book: The Book on Faith
Meaning & Context
This hadith foretells the division within the Muslim community into numerous theological and jurisprudential groups. The numbers mentioned are not to be taken literally but signify multiplicity and diversity of opinions that would emerge after the Prophet's time.
The comparison with previous religious communities serves as both a warning and consolation - warning against deviation while consoling that some division is inevitable given human nature.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Tirmidhi classifies this hadith as hasan (good) and notes its transmission through multiple chains. Classical scholars explain that the "saved sect" mentioned in companion narrations refers to those who adhere strictly to the Quran and authentic Sunnah.
The divisions primarily concern matters of creed (aqidah) rather than jurisprudential differences (fiqh), as the latter represent legitimate diversity within Islamic scholarship when based on sound principles.
Practical Implications
This prophecy emphasizes the importance of adhering to the foundational sources of Islam and the methodology of the righteous predecessors (Salaf).
Muslims should distinguish between permissible diversity in secondary matters and blameworthy innovation in core beliefs. The criterion for evaluating any group is its conformity to the Quran and authentic Prophetic tradition.