What is the meaning of the Hadith: "Indeed, my Ummah will never agree upon error, so if you see disagreement, adhere to the Sawad al-A'dham (the vast majority)," and what is its intent? Is it concerned with Usul (fundamental principles) or Furu' (subsidiary matters)? And is the Hadith Mutawatir (recurrently transmitted), Mashhur (well-known), or Da'if (weak)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The first is authentic: "Allah will not unite my Ummah," or he said, "the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) upon error."
The second Hadith was narrated by Imam Ahmad and others: "Allah will never unite this Ummah upon error. He also said, 'Allah's hand is with the جماعت (congregation), so follow the largest group (As-Sawad Al-A'zham), for whoever deviates, deviates into the Hellfire.'"
Blameworthy disagreement is that which occurs in fundamental principles (usul) leading to immorality (fisq) or disbelief (kufr). As for disagreement in subsidiary matters (furu') that is based on some consideration, it is not blameworthy.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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