What is the stance of the Sunnis regarding the people of innovation and desires, and is someone who belongs to a group that practices innovation in religion and Sunnah considered among the people of innovation?

The methodology of Ahl as-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah is to distance themselves from the people of innovation (bid'ah) and desires, and not to cooperate with them, in accordance with the generality of Allah's statement: "And do not cooperate in sin and aggression." Trials (fitan) are alluring and dangerous to one's religion.

As for groups that call to the truth and adhere to the Book and the Sunnah, there is no objection to cooperating with them in what they call to of the truth, while being cautious of fanaticism and being closed off to their specific understanding. This is because most of these groups serve Islam in some aspects while neglecting others. And whoever confines himself to working with a specific group will miss out on much good.

Ibn al-Qayyim said in Madarij as-Salikin: "The sign of following the Messengers is that they are not known by a specific name, nor are they restricted to one type of work. This is a defect in servitude (ubudiyyah), for absolute servitude is not known by its practitioner by a specific name; rather, he responds to its caller in its various forms. If he is asked about his shaykh, he says: 'The Messenger of Allah.' And about his method, he says: 'Following.' And about his madhhab, he says: '(seeking) His countenance.' And about his lineage, he says: 'Islam is my father; I have no other father.'"