The essence of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah
The community and the sects
What is meant by "the community"
Whoever is upon what the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was upon
and his Companions were upon, in creed and conduct.
And this definition of "the community" is derived from the saying of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):
"My Ummah will split into seventy-three sects;
one will be in Paradise,
and seventy-two will be in the Fire."
It was said, "O Messenger of Allah, who are they?"
He said, "The community."
And in another hadith:
"What I am upon and my Companions are upon."
Al-Shatibi, may Allah have mercy on him, mentioned several meanings for "the community,"
which ultimately lead to two meanings:
They are:
Firstly,
the community of creed and methodology,
which adheres to what the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was upon
and his Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were upon,
concerning matters of belief and the principles of character.
Secondly,
the community in a specific sense,
which is adherence to the community of Muslims
that has a leader in accordance with Sharia,
and not separating from them or rebelling against them.
The essence of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah