The great Scholar, the Faqeeh, Muhammad Ibn Sālih Al-‘Uthaimeen (d. 1421H, rahimahullāh) was asked concerning the splitting of the Ummah of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) after his death. So Shaikh Ibn ‘Uthaimeen replied: “The Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) stated in that which is authentically reported from him that the Jews divided into 71 sects, the Christians into 72 sects and that this Ummah will divide into 73 sects―and all of these sects will be in the Fire except for one, and they are those who are upon that which the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) and his Companions were upon. That is the Saved Sect that is saved in this world from innovations and is saved in the next life from the Fire. It is the Aided Group (At-Tā’ifah Al-Mansūrah) until the Hour is established that will not cease to be manifest and steadfast upon the command of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic.” Then he (rahimahullāh) was asked about the most apparent and distinguishing characteristics of the Saved Sect (Al-Firqah An-Nājiyah), so he replied: “The most apparent of the signs of the Saved Sect is their steadfast adherence to that which the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) was upon in ‘Aqeedah, worship, manners, conduct and dealings…” (See Al-Majmoo’ Ath-Thameen, pp. 53-54)
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