Mawsuat al-Firaq al-Muntasiba ila al-Islam
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Mawsuat al-Firaq al-Muntasiba ila al-Islam (Encyclopedia of Sects Affiliated with Islam) is a multi-volume Sunni reference work prepared by a committee of researchers under the general supervision of Sheikh Alawi ibn Abd al-Qadir al-Saqqaf . It was published in ten volumes by the Dorar.net Foundation in Rabi' al-Awwal 1433 AH (2012 CE), offering a comprehensive theological examination of historical and contemporary sects and movements that claim affiliation with Islam .
Purpose and Scope
The encyclopedia was compiled to provide an extensive survey of theological schisms (iftiraq) within the Islamic world from the perspective of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jama'ah . Its stated objectives include warning Muslims against the dangers and causes of disunity, tracing the historical roots of doctrinal deviations, demonstrating the continuity between classical sectarian ideas and modern intellectual trends, and affirming the beliefs of the "Saved Sect" (al-firqah al-najiyah) as defined in traditional Sunni creed .
Structure and Contents
The work spans ten volumes, structured thematically into major books and chapters :
- Introductory Section: Discusses foundational theoretical issues surrounding sectarian studies, including the religious obligation and purpose of studying sects, the distinction between allowable disagreement (ikhtilaf) and censured schism (iftiraq), the Quranic and prophetic prohibitions against splintering, the causes and harms of division, and scholarly interpretations of the Hadith of Division (hadith al-iftiraq) and the count of seventy-three sects .
- Classical and Doctrinal Groups: Surveys the major theological factions in Islamic history, such as the Kharijites, the Mu'tazila, the Jahmiyya, the Murji'ah, the Jabriyya, and various Shi'i branches (including the Zaydiyyah, the Imamiyyah, and extremist factions) .
- Esoteric and Offshoot Traditions: Examines Batini movements and offshoots, including classical and modern Ismailism (such as the Bohras and Nizari Khojas), the Nusayris, and Sufi orders along with doctrines such as wahdat al-wujud (unity of existence) .
- Contemporary and Marginal Groups: Details later groups and sects claiming Islamic origin or arising in Muslim-majority environments, such as the Yazidis, Mahdawi movements, and other subcontinental and regional traditions .
Methodology
The methodology of the encyclopedia relies on documenting each group's doctrines directly from its own authoritative literature and leadership figures, followed by a critical assessment in light of the Quran, the prophetic Sunnah, and the consensus of the early Muslim scholars (al-salaf al-salih) . For each discussed faction, the entries typically detail its historical origins, prominent leaders, foundational texts, geographical spread, theological and ritual tenets, and legal verdicts (fatawa) issued by classical and modern Sunni authorities concerning its status .
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