Why Differences Occur Among Salafis and How to Fix Them

Questioner:

Occasionally disputes and misunderstandings occur among (some) Salafī brothers, so what is your advice and guidance, (which if acted upon inshā’Allāh) they would resemble the heart of a single body, and thus avoid tribulation (fitan) and controversy?

Shaykh Rabīʿ ibn Hādi al-Madkhalī:

This occurs due to weakness in Taqwa (fear) of Allāh ﷻ, steadfastness, and uprightness.

If one was steadfast and upright upon the true command (dīn) of Allah ﷻ then you would not find the likes of these things, but rather there are diseases (in the hearts).

They must rid themselves of these (spiritual) diseases and remain steadfast, and upright upon the truth, and then they will resemble a single body as the prophet ﷺ said: “The Ummah is like one body, if a part of it is ill the rest of the body suffers from the fever and sleepless nights“. So I advise them to have fear of Allāhﷻ, steadfastness, uprightness; which I advise myself with before them, – may Allāhﷻ bless you – and enthusiasm for establishing brotherhood, love, compassion, and visiting for the pleasure of Allāh ﷻ.

Instead of having hatred and despise for one another, they must have mutual love, mercy, and kindness for one another. That which will distance us from disputes, is that we avoid every means leading to furqa (splitting) This one splits off and goes with Jamāʿat al-Tablīgh (e.g.) -voice unclear -You caused splitting and fitan (in the ranks). This one splits off and goes with Jamāʿat al-Ikhwān, and that one goes off in that direction with so and so sect, and the next with a second group, you have caused splitting, and division among the Salafīyyīn; and also disputes among them. The reasons for splitting are many none can enumerate them except Allāhﷻ the Most High. So avoid the causes of differing completely and be ardent upon adhering to the book and the Sunnah, and reminding each another of the Book of Allāhﷻ and the Sunnah of his Messenger ﷺ, (as a result) your hearts will become harmonious and united spiritually and physically upon the truth and goodness.