A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
Partisanship and factionalism.
Partisanship is the gathering of a group around a specific goal and a defined course of action.
It involves homogeneity, cooperation, and organized work among its members.
It is divided into commendable partisanship and blameworthy partisanship.
Commendable partisanship is gathering for a work that Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, loves, such as worship, calling to the faith, jihad, or providing aid.
It remains committed to the Qur'an and the Sunnah according to the understanding of the Companions.
Its purpose is to seek the countenance of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, and His Paradise, far removed from fanaticism toward the party and its members.
Blameworthy partisanship is gathering for a specific work that contradicts what the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his Companions were upon.
Or, it may be in accordance with it, but the intent behind it is worldly gain and personal interests.
A party in this state sees its members dominated by blameworthy fanaticism for the party and its people, basing their allegiance and disavowal upon it.
Regarding these two types of parties, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
"As for the head of a party, he is the leader of the faction that partisans itself—that is, becomes a party.
If they are gathered upon what Allah and His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, have commanded, without addition or omission,
then they are believers who have the same rights and responsibilities as others.
But if they have added to that or omitted from it—such as showing fanaticism for those who join their party, whether they are in the right or the wrong,
and turning away from those who do not join their party, regardless of whether they are in the right or the wrong—
then this is part of the division that Allah, the Exalted, and His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, have condemned.
For Allah and His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, commanded unity and cohesion, and forbade division and disagreement.
They commanded cooperation in righteousness and piety, and forbade cooperation in sin and transgression."