Awal Mula Istilah Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah - Ust. Farid Nu'man Hasan

Summary

This lecture explores the origins and significance of the term *Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah*, explaining its early mentions by Islamic scholars such as Abdullah bin Abbas and Imam Muhammad bin Sirin. The term, which refers to the orthodox group within Islam adhering to the Sunnah, is not directly mentioned in the Qur'an or Hadith, but has been interpreted through key scholarly works. The lecture also highlights alternative names for this group, including *Al-Firqah An-Najiyah* (The Saved Group), and references the famous Hadith about the 73 sects, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the core teachings of Islam.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah' does not have a direct reference in the Quran or Hadith, but it is attributed to early Islamic scholars and figures.
• 😀 The first person credited with introducing the term 'Ahlussunnah' is Ibn Abbas, who used it to distinguish the followers of the Sunnah from those involved in innovation (Bid'ah).
• 😀 Ibn Abbas interpreted Surah Al-Imran (106) to explain that those with white, radiant faces on the Day of Judgment are the Ahlussunnah, while those with blackened faces are the people of Bid'ah.
• 😀 Another early proponent of the term 'Ahlussunnah' is Imam Muhammad bin Sirin, who emphasized the importance of the Sunnah in Hadith transmission and the rejection of Bid'ah.
• 😀 Imam Muslim's introduction of the term in his 'Muqaddimah' has strong chain of transmission (Isnad), which lends more credibility to his usage of the term compared to Ibn Abbas’s interpretation.
• 😀 The term 'Ahlussunnah' is closely associated with the concept of preserving the authentic teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and rejecting deviations.
• 😀 There are alternative names used for Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah, such as 'Al-Firqah an-Najiyah', meaning the 'Saved Sect,' which reflects the belief that this group will be the one to attain salvation in the Hereafter.
• 😀 A well-known Hadith mentions that the Muslim Ummah will split into 73 sects, with only one sect (Al-Jamaah) being saved and the rest falling into error and entering Hell.
• 😀 The Hadith about the 73 sects is widely accepted by Islamic scholars, with most agreeing that the saved sect is Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah.
• 😀 The Hadith about the 73 sects has been transmitted through reliable chains of narration and is considered an important part of understanding the division within the Muslim community, highlighting the importance of adherence to the Sunnah.

Q & A

What is the meaning of *Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah*?

The term *Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah* refers to the group of Muslims who adhere to the Sunnah (the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) and remain united in following the correct path of Islam, avoiding innovations (Bid'ah).

Does the Qur'an or Hadith specifically mention the term *Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah*?

No, there is no specific verse in the Qur'an or Hadith that directly mentions the term *Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah*. However, it is understood through interpretations of the teachings and practices that align with the Sunnah.

Who is credited with first using the term *Ahlussunnah*?

The term *Ahlussunnah* is first attributed to Abdullah bin Abbas (RA), the companion of the Prophet Muhammad. He mentioned it in his commentary on Surah Ali Imran (3:106), where he associated it with the 'bright-faced' people on the Day of Judgment.

What did Ibn Abbas say about the people on the Day of Judgment?

Ibn Abbas stated that the 'bright-faced' people on the Day of Judgment represent *Ahlussunnah*, while the 'dark-faced' people represent the followers of innovation (*Ahlul Bid'ah*), based on his interpretation of the Qur'anic verse in Surah Ali Imran.

Who else is credited with popularizing the term *Ahlussunnah* besides Ibn Abbas?

Imam Muhammad bin Sirin, a senior Tabi'in, is also credited with popularizing the term *Ahlussunnah*. He emphasized its importance in *Sahih Muslim*, where he advised to only accept hadith from those who are part of *Ahlussunnah*.

What is the significance of the *Sahih Muslim* in this context?

The *Sahih Muslim* is significant because it includes the narration by Imam Muhammad bin Sirin, which highlights the importance of recognizing narrators from *Ahlussunnah* and rejecting those from *Ahlul Bid'ah* (the people of innovation), thus formalizing the term.

What is the term *Al-Firqah An-Najiyah* and how is it related to *Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah*?

The term *Al-Firqah An-Najiyah* means 'The Saved Group.' It is used to refer to those who follow the correct path of Islam, the Sunnah, and are not deviated by innovations. This group is often identified with *Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah*, who are believed to be the ones who will be saved and enter Paradise.

What does the hadith about the division of the Muslim Ummah into 73 sects mean?

The hadith states that the Muslim Ummah will divide into 73 sects, with only one group remaining on the true path and entering Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) identified this group as *Al-Jamaah*, referring to those who follow the Sunnah, which is understood to be *Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah*.

How many sects will enter Paradise according to the hadith?

According to the hadith, only one sect will enter Paradise, while the other 72 will be in Hell. This sect is identified as *Al-Jamaah*, which refers to those who adhere to the Sunnah and the correct teachings of Islam.

Why do some scholars believe Imam Muhammad bin Sirin's version of *Ahlussunnah* is stronger than Ibn Abbas's version?

Some scholars believe Imam Muhammad bin Sirin's narration in *Sahih Muslim* is stronger than Ibn Abbas's interpretation because the former's narration comes with a solid chain of transmission (sanad), making it more reliable and verifiable compared to the narration attributed to Ibn Abbas, which lacks a clear sanad.