Q: We would like your Eminence to clarify for us some issues regarding a debate that was aroused in our country, Sudan, on the Salafiyyah (those following the way of the righteous predecessors) Group here. Some brothers drew away from the renowned Group of Ansar Al-Sunnah Al-Muhamadiyyah (supporters of the Prophet's Sunnah). They started to criticize it and describe its followers as being (Muslims who speak your language but whoever responds to them will be thrown in Hell-fire). They based this view on Hadith Al-Fitnah (sedition) which is narrated by Hudhayfah ibn Al-Yaman. The reasons for which the brothers referred to above broke away from Ansar Al-Sunnah Al-Muhamadiyyah Group can be summarized in the following:They consider naming the Salafiyyah Group in Sudan as Ansar Al-Sunnah Al-Muhamadiyyah a Bid`ah (innovation in religion). They think that Ansar Al-Sunnah Al-Muhamadiyyah Group is a mere party, just like all other deviant parties and groups.It is worth mentioning that such a matter separated Muslims and disturbed the Da`wah (calling) to Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah) in a country where (Part No. 2; Page No. 321) most of its people follow the way of Sufism. In addition, the current situation causes young men who join Ansar Al-Sunnah Al-Muhamadiyyah Group to be confused and doubt the truth. People wonder how the Salafiyyah Group in Sudan can unify Muslims all over the world while it is unable to unify its few members? Yet, people have perfect Yaqin (certainty) that In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills) Allah (Exalted be He) will cause the truth to be victorious and destroy falsehood along with the enemies of Din (religion).

A: Ansar Al-Sunnah Al-Muhamadiyyah Group in Egypt and Sudan is an Islamic Group whose members abide by the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet, peace be upon him) according to the understanding of the Salaf (righteous predecessors), who makes Da`wah to Allah in conformity to what has been conveyed to Muslims by the Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding the issues of Tawhid, `Ibadah (worship), and good manners. Besides, Ansar Al-Sunnah Al-Muhamadiyyah Group believes in Al-Wala' wal-Bara' (loyalty and disassociation for Allah's Sake) based on the Qur'an and Sunnah. The foregoing is what we know about such a Group. All praise be to Allah Alone, Ansar Al-Sunnah Al-Muhamadiyyah Group represents the real Muslim main body amidst such societies which have many different sects and creeds. It may be worth mentioning that many scholars, knowledge seekers, and ordinary people benefited from Ansar Al-Sunnah Al-Muhamadiyyah Group, and that this name distinguishes the concerned Group from other groups and sects that indulge in misguiding Bid`ahs (innovations in religion) and whims. Nevertheless, the covenant of Al-Wala' wal-Bara' (that the members of the Group in question give) has nothing to do with any name; it is just a covenant to follow the Qur'an and Sunnah and love and hate for Allah's Sake.Accordingly, it is impermissible that followers of the Group in question separate or that any body disunites them. Whoever does so or accuses them of forming an abominable party transgresses against them and commits a sin. (Part No. 2; Page No. 322) The accusation referred to above is nothing but a Fitnah (sedition) that separates Muslims who model after the way of the Prophet (peace be upon him). We enjoin you and ourselves to fear Allah in secret and public, not to respond to those who want to create differences between Muslims, to be keen to acquire beneficial knowledge and spread it amongst people, to give special concern to issues which relate to Tawhid of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) in His `Ibadah, Names, and Attributes, and to warn against Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and deviating ways. May Allah keep us all firm on Islam.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.