Who are Ahl al-Hadeeth? What are their distinguishing features?

The phrase Ahl al-Hadeeth (people of hadeeth) refers to a group who venerate the Sunnah and
seek to propagate it. They adhere to the ‘aqeedah (beliefs) of the companions of the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). In seeking to understand their religion, they refer
to the Qur’aan and Sunnah and the interpretation of the best generations, unlike others who
adhere to beliefs other than the ‘aqeedah of the righteous salaf and refer to human reasoning,
tastes and what they see in dreams.

This group is the saved group, the victorious party, which many imams have stated is the group
referred to in the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “A group of
my ummah will continue to prevail, following the truth. They will not be harmed by those who
humiliate them until the decree of Allaah comes to pass when they are like that.” (Narrated by
Muslim, 1920).

The imams, in the past and more recently, have said a great deal describing this group. We may
chose from among them the following:

1 – al-Haakim said:

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal did well when he commented on this report by saying that the
victorious group who will prevail until the Hour begins is “ashaab al-hadeeth” (the people of
hadeeth). Who is more deserving of this description than people who follow the way of the
righteous and follow in the footsteps of the salaf who came before us, and exposed the
falsehood of the people of bid’ah (innovation) by basing their arguments on the Sunnahs of the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)?

Ma’rifat ‘Uloom al-Hadeeth, by al-Haakim al-Nisaboori, p. 2, 3

2 – al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadi said:

Allaah has made these people – Ahl al-Hadeeth – the pillars of sharee’ah, and He has destroyed
through them all abhorrent innovations. They are the trustees of Allaah among His creation, the
intermediaries between the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his
ummah. They are the ones who are striving hard to protect his religion; their light is shining,
their virtues are well known, the signs of their sincerity are obvious, their way is prevailing, and
their evidence is supreme. Every group has its own focal point which is based on whims and
desires, apart from the people of hadeeth, whose reference point is the Qur’aan, whose
evidence is the Sunnah and whose leader is the Messenger to whom they belong; they do not
pay any attention to whims and desires, and they do not care about personal opinions. They are
content with what is narrated from the Messenger, and they are the ones who are entrusted
with it and they take care of it. They are the guardians and keepers of the faith, the vessels and
bearers of knowledge. If there is a difference of opinion concerning a hadeeth, people refer to
them, and what they rule is what is accepted and listened to. Among them are prominent
faqeehs, great imams, ascetics who are well-known among their tribes, men who are known for
their virtue, skilled reciters of Qur’aan and good speakers. They are the majority and their way is
the right way. Every innovator pretends to be following their path, and cannot dare to claim any
other way. Whoever opposes them, Allaah will destroy him, and whoever goes against them,
Allaah will humiliate him. They are not harmed by those who forsake them, and those who stay
away from them will not prosper. The one who cares for his religion needs their help, the one
who looks down on them is a loser, and Allaah is able to support them.

Sharf Ashaab al-Hadeeth, p. 15

3 – Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said:

Hence it is clear that the people who most deserve to be called the victorious group are “Ahl al-
Hadeeth wa’l-Sunnah”, who have no leader to follow blindly apart from the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). They are the most knowledgeable of people
concerning his words and deeds, the most able to distinguish between what is sound and what is
not [of hadeeth]. Their imams have deep knowledge of that, they are the ones who understand
its meanings and are the most sincere in following it. They accept it and believe in it, and act
upon it. They show love to those who adopt it and they show enmity to those who oppose it.
They are the ones who measure any idea against that which is proven in the Qur’aan and
Sunnah, so they never adopt any idea and make it one of the basic principles of their religion
unless it is proven in that which the Messenger brought. Rather they make that which the
Messenger brought, the Qur’aan and Sunnah, the foundation and basis of their beliefs. With
regard to the issues concerning which people dispute, such as the attributes of Allaah, the divine
decree, the threat of Hell, the names of Allaah and the principle of enjoining what is good and
forbidding what is evil, etc., they refer that to Allaah and His Messenger. They examine the
general ideas concerning which the different groups dispute, and whatever of these ideas is in
accordance with the Qur’aan and Sunnah, they approve of it, and whatever goes against the
Qur’aan and Sunnah, they reject it. They do not follow conjecture or whims and desires. For
following conjecture is ignorance and following whims and desires without any guidance from
Allaah is wrongdoing.

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 3/347, 348.

We should note that Ahl al-Hadeeth includes everyone who follows the hadeeth of the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and gives it precedence over all else, whether he is
a scholar or an ordinary Muslim.

Shaykh al-Islam [Ibn Taymiyah] said:

We do not mean by Ahl al-Hadeeth only those who study it, write it down or narrate it, rather
we mean anyone who takes care to memorize it, understand it and follow it, both inwardly and
outwardly. The same may be said of “Ahl al-Qur’aan” (the people of the Qur’aan).

The basic quality of these people is their love of the Qur’aan and hadeeth, referring to them and
their meanings, and acting upon what they learn.

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 4/95

The imams have said a great deal on this matter. You can learn more by referring to the sources
quoted above, as well as volume 4 of Majmoo’ Fataawa Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah.

” AHLUL HADEETH ” An Attributive Name & Consensus 50 Statements Concerning The Ahlul
Hadeeth By SHAIKH ZUBAIR ALEE ZAI RAH.

Alhamdulillah and glorified be He, Allaah Alone, the SalafieeScholars, Ahlus Sunnah and Ahlul
Hadeeth wherever they maybe from,we love them, revere them and promote them as they are
the inheritorsof the prophets from all the different lands. We love and revere thembecause they
promote the divine teachings of the Quraan and Sunnahbased upon the manhaj of the Salaf us-
Saaleh and this is the reason andthis reason alone why we love, revere and promote them.

The treatise in hand by Shaikh Zubair Alee Za’ee Rah. is a compilationof the statements showing
the position and status of the Ahlul Hadeethand all those who adhere to their way and a
reprimand and reminderto those who oppose or those who abstain and dismiss their way.
MayAllaah reward the Shaikh for his efforts and increase his reward.

Ameen.

We are presenting 50 statements from the pious predecessorswhich prove the title and
distinguishing and attributive name of AhlulHadeeth that it is absolutely correct and there is
consensus upon it.

(1) Imaam Bukhaari RAH. (d.256H)

Imaam Bukhaari said concerning the victorious group, “ie they are the Ahlul Hadeeth.”

(Masalah al-Ihtijaaj Baa ash- Shaafi’ee Lil-Khateeb(pg.47), The chain is authentic, al-Hujjah Fee
Bayaan al-Muhajjah (1/246).

Imaam Bukhaari has mentioned from Yahyaa ibn Sa’eed alQattaanconcerning a narrator, “He was
not from the people of hadeeth.”(Ahlul Hadeeth)

At-Taarekh al-Kabeer (6/429), adh-Dhua’faa as-Sagheerno.281)

(2) Imaam Muslim RAH (d.261H)

Imaam Muslim said concerning disparaged narrators, “They are accused (ie disparaged remarks
pertaining to hadeeth.) according to the Ahlul Hadeeth.”

(Saheeh Muslim, al-Muqaddimah (pg.6) before the first chapter, another edition (1/5)

Imaam Muslim further said,

“We have explained the Madhab of Ahlul Hadeeth and its people.”

(Saheeh Muslim, al-Muqaddimah (pg.6) before the first chapter, another edition (1/5)

Imaam Muslim said concerning, Ayoob as-Sakhtiyaanee, Ibn A’un, Maalik ibn Anas, Shu’bah bin
al-Hajjaaj, Yahyaa ibn Sa’eed al- Qattaan, Abdur-Rahman ibn Mahdee and those who came after
them as,

“They are the Ahlul Hadeeth.”

(Saheeh Muslim, al-Muqaddimah (pg.22) Chapter the correct deduction of al-MAanAan, another
edition (1/26), another edition (1/23)

(3) Imaam Shaafi’ee RAH. (d.204H)

Imaam Muhammad bin Idrees as-Shaafi’ee said.. ” concerning a weak narration,

“Something similar is not established according to the Ahlul Hadeeth.”

(As-Sunan al-Kubraa of Baihaqee (1/260), the chain is authentic)

Imaam Shaaf’iee also said,

“Whenever I see a man from the Ashaabul (People/companions) of Hadeeth then it is as if I have
seen the Prophet (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam) alive.”

(Sharf Ashaabul Hadeeth of Khateeb (no.85) the chain is authentic.)

(4) Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal RAH (d.241H)..

Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal was asked concerning the victorious group, he replied, “If the
victorious group are not the Ashaabul Hadeeth then I do not know who is.”

(Ma’arifah Uloom al-Hadeeth of Haakim (pg.2 no.3) the chain is good and Ibn Hajr authenticated
it in Fath ul-Baari (13/293) under hadeeth (no.7311)

(5) Imaam Yahyaa ibn Sa’eed al-Qattaan RAH (d.198H)

Imaam Yahyaa ibn Sa’eed al-Qattaan said concerning Suliemaan bin Tarkhaan at-Taymee,
“Taymee according to us is from amongst the Ahlul Hadeeth.”

(Musnad Alee bin Ja’ad (1/594) hadeeth no. 1354 and the chain is authentic, another edition
(no. 1314), al-Jarh Wat-Ta’deel of Ibn Abee Haatim (4/125) and the chain is authentic)

Concerning another narrator of hadeeth, Imraan bin Qudaamah al-Ummee, Yahyaa al-Qattaan
said,

“But he was not from the Ahlul Hadeeth.”

(al-Jarh Wat-Ta’deel (6/303) the chain is authentic.)

(6) Imaam Tirmidhee (d.279H)

Imaam Tirmidhee said about a narrator by the name of Abu Zaid, “and the man Abu Zaid is
unknown according to Ahlul Hadeeth”

(Sunan Tirmidhee (no.88)

(7) Imaam Abu Dawood RAH (d.275H)

Imaam Abu Dawood as-Sijastaanee said, “According to the normal Ahlul Hadeeth.”

(Risaalah Abee Dawood Ilaa Makkah Fee Wasaf asSunnah (pg.30), manuscript form (pg.1)

(8) Imaam Nasaa’ee RAH (d.303H) Imaam Nasaa’ee said,

“and there is benefit for the people of Islaam and from amongst them are, the Ahlul Hadeeth the
ones with knowledge, fiqh and Quraan.”

(Sunan Nasaa’ee (7/135 no 4147), at-Ta’aleeqaat as-Salafiyyah (no.4152)

(9) Imaam Ibn Khuzaimah RAH (d.311H)

Imaam Muhammad ibn Ishaaq bin Khuzaimah al- Neesaabooree said concerning a hadeeth, “We
have not seen any differences amongst the Ahlul Hadeeth and this report is authentic in terms of
being narrated.”

(Saheeh Ibn Khuzaimah (1/21 no.31)

(10) Imaam Ibn Hibbaan RAH (d.354H)

Haafidh Muhammad bin Hibbaan al-Bustee established the following chapter heading for a
hadeeth, “In mentioning the hadeeth by which some of the Mu’attilah (those who deny Allaahs
attributes) censure the Ahlul Hadeeth because they are deprived from divine guidance in
relation to its correct meaning.”
(Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan, al-Ehsaan (no.566), another edition (no.565)

At another instance Haafidh Ibn Hibbaan mentioned the following attribute of the Ahlul
Hadeeth, “They act upon the Sunnah, defend it and annihilate its opponents.”

(Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan, al-Ehsaan (no.6129), another edition (no.6162) also refer to (1/140 before
hadeeth no (61)

(11) Imaam Abu Awaanah (d.316H)

Imaam Abu Awanaah Isfarainee concerning an issue says to Imaam Muzanee, “There is
difference of opinion amongst the Ahlul Hadeeth (the people of Hadeeth)”

(Musnad Abee Awaanah 1/49)

(12) Imaam Ahmad bin Abdullah bin Saaleh al-Ejlee RAH (d.261H)

Imaam Ahmad bin Abdullah bin Saaleh al-Ejlee said concerning Imaam Sufyaan Ibn Uyainah “So
some of the Ahlul Hadeeth say he is the most established (ie trustworthy) from amongst the
people about the Hadeeth of az-Zuhree.”

(Ma’rifatuth-Thiqaat 1/417 no.631 and no.577 in another edition)

(13) Imaam Abu Abdullah al-Haakim anNeesabooree RAH (d.405H)

Imaam Abu Abdullah al-Haakim an-Neesabooree said concerning Imaam Yahya Ibn Maeen, “The
Imaam of Ahlul Hadeeth.”

(al-Mustadrak 1/198 no.710)

(14) Imaam Abu Ahmad Haakim al-Kabeer RAH (d.378H)

He wrote a book called the Shi’aar Ahlul Hadeeth (Signs of Ahlul Hadeeth).
(15) Imaam Muhammad bin Yoosuf al-Faryaabee RAH (d.212H) He said,

“we saw Sufyaan ath-Thawree in koofah and we were a group of

Ahlul Hadeeth”

(al-Jarh wat-Tadeel 1/60, the chain is authentic)

(16) Imaam Ja’afar bin Muhammad al-Faryaabee RAH (d.301H)

He said concerning Ibraheem bin Moosaa al-Wasdoolee, “and his son is from the Ahlul Hadeeth
and he his name is Ishaaq”

(al-Kaamil of Ibn Adiyy 1/271, another edition 1/440, and it’s chain is authentic)

(17) Imaam Abu Haatim ar-Raazee RAH (d.277H)

Imaam Abu Haatim ar-Raazee a famous Imaam of Asmaa urRijaal said, “and anything theAhlul
Hadeeth agree on constitutes evidence”

(Kitaab al-Maraaseel pg.192, no.703)

(18) Imaam Abu Ubaid al-Qaasim bin Salaam RAH (d.224H) He said concerning a report,

“so some of the Ahlul Hadeeth take from this”

(Kitaab at-Tahoor pg.173 of Abee Ubaid, al-Awsth of Ibn alMundhir 1/265)

(19) Imaam Abu Bakr bin Abee Dawood RAH(d.316H)

The son the great Imaam and author of Sunan Abee Dawood who is truthful according the great
majority said, “and do not be from those who toy with their religion for you may become from
those who curse and criticise the Ahlul Hadeeth”

(Kitaab ash-Shareeah (pg.975) of Imaam Muhammad bin al-Hussain al-Aajurree, and it’s chain is
authentic)
(20) Imaam Ahmad bin Amr bin Dhihaak bin Mukhlad Ibn Abee Aasim RAH (d.287H)

Imaam Ibn Abee Aasim said about a narrator, “he is a man from the Ahlul Hadeeth and he is
trustworthy

(al-Ahaad Wal-Mathaanee 1/428 no.604)

(21) Haafidh Abu Hafs Umar Ibn Shaheen RAH (d.385H)

He has mentioned the statement of Imaam Yahyaa al-Qattaan concerning Imraan al-U’ama, “he
was however not from the Ahlul Hadeeth”

(Taarekh Asmaa ath-Thiqaat no.1084)

(22) Abu Ishaaq Ibraheem bin Yaqoob al-Juzjaanee RAH (d.259H)

He said, “and then this well known amongst the Ahlul Hadeeth”

(Ahwaal ar-Rijaal pg.43 no.10 also refer to pg.214)

(23) Imaam Ahmad bin Sinaan al-Wasitee RAH (d.259H)

He said, “there are no people of innovation in this world except that they have enmity for the
Ahlul Hadeeth”

(Ma’arifah Uloom al-Hadeeth of Haakim pg.4 no.6 and the chain is authentic)

So we find whoever has enmity for the people of Hadeeth or he speaks bad about the Ahlul
Hadeeth then he is an innovator.

(24) Imaam Alee bin Abdullah al-Madeenee RAH (d.234H)

The teacher of Imaam Bukhaari, whilst explaining a narration said, “so he is Ahlul Hadeeth”
(Sunan Tirmidhee no.2229, A’aridahtulAhwazee 9/74)

(25) Imaam Qutaibah Ibn Saeed RAH (d.240H) he said,

“when I see someone loving the Ahlul Hadeeth then he is upon the Sunnah”

(Sharf Ashaabul Hadeeth no.143 and it’s chain is authentic)

(26) Imaam Qutaibah ad-Deenawari RAH (d.276H)

The scholar of Hadeeth the truthful, Imaam Qutaibah adDeenawari (d.276h) authored a book,
“Ta’weel Mukhtaliful-Hadeeth Fee Radd A’daa Ahlul Hadeeth” and in it he has severely refuted
the enemies of Ahlul Hadeeth.

(27) Imaam Ahmad bin al-Hussain al-Baihaqi RAH (d.458H)

He wrote that Maalik bin Anas, Awzaa’ee, Sufyaan ath-Thawree, Sufyaan Ibn Uyainah, Hamaad
Ibn Zayd, Hamaad Ibn Salamah, Shaafiee, Ahmad, Ishaaq Ibn Rahawaihah were all from the Ahlul
Hadeeth.

(Kitaab al-Eitiqaad wa Bidaayah Ilaa Sabeel ur-Rishaad pg.180 of Baihaqi )

(28) Imaam Abu Bakr Ahmad bin Ibraheem alIsma’eelee RAH (d.371H)

He said concerning a narrator, “he was not from the Ahlul Hadeeth”

(Kitaab al-Mu’ajam 1/469 no.121)

(29) Imaam Khateeb al-Baghdaadee RAH (d.463H)

He authored a book on the virtue of the Ahlul Hadeeth called ‘Sharf Ashaabul Hadeeth’ and
there is another book titled ‘Naseehah Ahlul Hadeeth’

(refer to Taareekh Baghdaad 1/224 no.51)

(30) Imaam Abu Na’eem Asbahaanee RAH (d.430H)

He said concerning a narrator “his troublemaking is not hidden from the scholars of Ahlul
Hadeeth” (al-Mustakharj Ala Saheeh Muslim 1/67 no.89)

He further said, “and Shaafiee has leaned towards the madhab of Ahlul Hadeeth”

(Hilyatul Auliyaa 9/112)

(31) Haafidh Muhammad bin Ibraheem bin alMundhir an-Neesabooree RAH (d.318H)

He said concerning his companions and Imaam ash-Shaafiee that they were Ahlul Hadeeth.

(al-Awsth 2/307, no.915)

(32) Imaam Abu Bakr Muhammad bin al-Hussain al-A’ajurree RAH (d.360H)

He said, “this is advice to my brothers from the people of the Quraan and the Ahlul Hadeeth, the
people of fiqh and other than them from amongst the Muslims”

(ash-Sharee’ah pg.3 and pg.7 another edition)

(33) Haafidh Yoosuf bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Ibn Abdul Barr RAH (d.463H)

He said, “a group from amongst the Ahlul Hadeeth said….”

(at-Tamheed 1/16)

(34) Haafidh Ibn Taymiyyah al-Harranee RAH (d.728H)

He said in answering a question, “all praise be to Allah, so Bukhaari and Abu Dawood were the
Imams of fiqh and ijtihaad and as for Imaams Muslim, Tirmidhee, Nasaa’ee, Ibn Maajah, Ibn
Khuzaimah, Abu Ya’ala and Bazzaar all of them were upon the Madhab ofAhlul Hadeeth and
none of them were muqallids of any particular Imaam nor were they mujtahid mutlaqs”

(Majmoo’a Fataawa 20/40)

(35) Shaikh Ibn Rasheed al-Fehree RAH (d.721h)

He said concerning the major scholars eg Imaam Ayoob asSakhtiyaanee, “they were from the
Ahlul Hadeeth”

(as-Sunan al-Abayn pg.119 and pg.124)

(36) Haafidh Ibn al-Qayyim (d.751H)

He said in his famous Qasedah Nooniyyah “Oh you who have hatred and abuse the Ahlul
Hadeeth, glad tidings to you for your friendship with Shaytaan.”

(al-Kaafiyya ash-Shaafiyyah Fee Intisaar al-Firqatun-Naajiyyah pg.99)

(37) Haafidh Ismaa’eel Ibn Katheer ad-Dimashqi RAH (d.774H)

He said in his explanation to verse no 71 of Soorah Banee Israaeel (17) “And remember) the Day
when We shall call together all human beings with their (respective) imaams ““Some of the Salaf
have said this is the greatest virtue of the Ashaabul-Hadeeth(ie the people of Hadeeth) that their
Imaam will be Prophet (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam)”

(Tafseer Ibn Katheer 4/164)

(38) Imaam Ibn al-Munaadee al-Baghdaadee RAH (d.336H)

He said concerning Qaasim bin Zakariyyah Yahyaaal-Matraz, “He is from the Ahlul Hadeeth and
he is truthful”

(Taareekh Baghdaad 12/441 no6910 and its chain is sound)

(39) Imaam Shairawiyyah bin Shehrdaar adDailaamee RAH (d.509H)

The famous historian of Dailam he said concerning Abdur Rahmaan bin Ahmad bin Abduth-
Thaqafee al-Hamdaanee in his book of history, “The general people of Ahlul Hadeeth from our
land have narrated from him and he was trustworthy and strong and firm”

(Siyaar A’laam an-Nabula 14/438)

(40) Imaam Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Alee bin Abdullah bin Muhammad as-Sooree
RAH(d.441H)

He was the Famous Imaam of Baghdaad he said, “Say to those who hate the Hadeeth and its
People and speak ill of them what are you saying to knowledge, if it is from ignorance then being
ignorant is from the stupid one,s Do you speak ill of those who saved the religion from baseless
and futile things.”

(Tadhkirratul-Huffadh 3/1117 no.1002 sound chain, (Siyaar A’laam anNabula 14/438), al-
Muntadham 15/324 of Ibn al-Jawzee)

(41) Imaam Suyootee RAH (d.911H)

He said in explanation of the verse. “And remember) the Day when We shall call together all
human beings with their (respective) Imam (Sooralal-Israa 17:71) “There is no better virtue for
the Ahlul Hadeeth than that because there is no other Imaam for the Ahlul Hadeeth other than
the Messenger of Allaah (Sallalahu Alayhee Wasallam)”
(Tadreeb ur-Raawee 2/126)

(42) Imaam Ismaaeel bin Muhammad bin Fadhal al-Asbaahanee RAH (d.535H)

He said, “Mention the Ahlul Hadeeth as they are the group upon the truth until the hour is
established.”

(al-Hujjah Fee Bayaan al-Muhajjah Wa Sharh Aqeedah Ahlus Sunnah 1/246)

(43) Qaadhee Hasan bin Abdur Rahmaan bin Khalaad Raamehrmuzee RAH (d.360H)

He said, “Allaah has given virtue to the Hadeeth and his blessing to the Ahlul-Hadeeth.”

(al-Muhaddith al-Faasil Bayna ar-Raawee wal-Wa’awee pg.159 no.1)

(44) Hafs bin Ghiyath RAH (d.194H)

He was asked concerning the people of Hadeeth ie the Ashaabul Hadeeth he replied, “They are
the best (ie good) from the people of this world”

( Ma’arifah Uloom al-Hadeeth pg.3 no.3 of Imaam Haakim and its chain is authentic )

(45) Abul Fath Nasr bin Ibraaheem al-Maqdisee RAH (d.490H)

He said, “Chapter: The virtue of Ahlul Hadeeth”

(al-Hujjah A’la Tareeq al-Muhajjah 1/325)

(46) Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Muflih alMaqdisee RAH (d.763H) He said,

“The Ahlul Hadeeth are the saved group who are established upon the truth”

(al-Adaab ash-Sharee’ah 1/211)

(47) Muhammad bin Ismaa’eel al-Ameer alYamaanee RAH (d.840H),

He said, “upon you (ie to stick) to the virtuous of Ashaabul-Hadeeth (people of Hadeeth)you will
find with them all guidance and virtues.”

(ar-Raudh al-Baasim Fe Dhab Ann Sunnah Abil-Qaasim 1/146)

(48) Haafidh Ibn as-Salaah d.806H)

After mentioning the conditions for an authentic hadeeth he said, “This is the hadeeth which is
graded to be authentic without any differing amongst the Ahlul Hadeeth.”

(Uloom al-Hadeeth well known as Muqaddimah Ibn as-Salaah with Sharh of al-A’raqee pg.20)

(49) Abu Ismaa’eel Abdur Rahmaan bin Ismaa’eel as-Saboonee RAH (d.449H)

He wrote a book titled, ‘Aqeedatus-Salaf Wa Ashaabul Hadeeth’ in it he says, “The Ahlul Hadeeth
have the Aqeedah, they testify Allaah The Glorious is above the seven heavens upon his Throne.”

(Aqeedatus-Salaf AshaabulHadeeth pg.14)

(50) Abu Mansoor Abdul Qaahir bin Taahir bin Muhammad al-Baghdaadee RAH (d.429H)

He said concerning the people of Shaam, “All of them are upon the Madhab of Ahlul Hadeeth
from Ahlus-Sunnah”

(Usool ud deen pg.317).

NOTE :

So from these 50 statements we have proved the attributive name of the Muslims is Ahlul
Hadeeth as it was for the Muhaajireen, the Ansaar and Ahlus-Sunnah and there is Ijmaa on this
permissibility on the usage of this title. Not a single Imaam said it is incorrect to use the term of
Ahlul Hadeeth, nor said it is impermissible or said it is an innovation however some Khawaarij
and those who sympathise with them hate the title of Ahlul Hadeeth, they say it is an innovation
and say it is a sectarian name and make fun of it and by doing so they oppose the ijmaa
(consensus) of all of the scholars of hadeeth and the Muslims.

Characteristics of the Victorious Group: Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah

It is the Muslim’s duty to follow the truth and to join the victorious group, the people of Sunnah
and Jamaa’ah (Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah) who are followers of the pious predecessors (al-
salaf al-saalih), loving them for the sake of Allaah whether they are in his own country or
elsewhere, and cooperating with them in righteousness.

The attributes of the victorious group are related in a number of saheeh ahaadeeth, for example:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “My ummah is an ummah which carries out the
commands of Allaah; those who let them down or differ from them do not harm them and they
will keep adhering to this path until the Day of Judgement.”

Mu‘aawiyah and ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with them) reported that the
Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘A group of my ummah will continue victoriously adhering to
the truth until the Last Hour begins.’”

Al-Mugheerah ibn Shu‘bah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “I heard the Messenger of
Allaah (peace be upon him) say: “Some people of my ummah will remain victorious over the
people until the decree of Allaah reaches them.”
‘Imraan ibn Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (peace be upon him)
said: “A group of my ummah will continue fighting for the truth, and will prevail over those who
oppose them, until the last of them will kill al-Maseekh al-Dajjaal (the Liar or Anti-Christ).”

From these ahaadeeth we may understand the following:

(1) The Prophet’s words “A group of my ummah will continue . . .” indicate that this is a section of
the ummah, not the entire ummah. This also indicates that there will be other groups and sects.

(2) His words “those who oppose them will not harm them” indicate that there will be other
groups who oppose the victorious group in the way they practice the religion. This also concurs
with the hadeeth which describes the ummah being divided into seventy-two groups or sects
who oppose the one group that is following the truth.

(3) Both ahaadeeth offer glad tidings to the people who are following the truth. The hadeeth
that speaks of the victorious group speaks of their victory in this world.

(4) The words “until the decree of Allaah reaches them” refer to the wind or breeze that will
come and take the soul of every believing man and woman. This does not contradict the
hadeeth “A group of my ummah will remain victoriously supporting the truth until the Day of
Resurrection,” because that hadeeth means that they will continue to follow the truth until that
gentle breeze takes their souls just before the Day of Resurrection, when many other Signs of the
Last Hour have already manifested themselves.

Regarding the Victorious Group Imam Al-Bukhari Said : They Are ” Ahlul Hadees “

Our Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There will cease to be a Group from my
Ummah “victorious upon the truth,“ not being harmed by those who oppose them until the
command of Allaah comes about, and they are like that.”]

Related by Muslim (6/52-53) and Aboo Daawood (2/202)…….

2. It was reported from ‘Awf ibn Maalik who said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said: “The Jews were divided into seventy-one sects, one of which is in
Paradise and seventy are in the Fire. The Christians were divided into seventy-two sects, seventy-
one of which are in the Fire and one is in Paradise. By the One in Whose hand is the soul of
Muhammad, my Ummah will be divided into seventy-three sects, one of which will be in
Paradise and seventy-two will be in the Fire.” It was said, O Messenger of Allaah, who are they?
He said,

“Al-Jamaa’ah.”

{ Sunan Ibn Maajah, no. 3982 }

3.. I was narrated from Mu’aawiyah ibn Abi Sufyaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he
said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood among us and
said: “Those who came before you of the people of the Book split into seventy-two sects, and
this ummah will split into seventy-three: seventy-two in Hell and one in Paradise, and that is the
””

“Jamaa’ah “

{ Narrated by Abu Dawood (4597) and others; classed as saheeh by al-Haakim (1/128), who said:
it is an important hadeeth that represents a basic principle. It was classed as hasan by Ibn Hajar
in Takhreej al-Kashshaaf (63). It was classed as saheeh by Ibn Taymiyah in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa
(3/345), al-Shaatibi in al-I’tisaam (1/430), and al-‘Iraaqi in Takhreej al-Ihya’ (9/133) }

–> The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) described the saved group as
thejamaa’ah, i.e., the consensus of the Muslim scholars.

The Word Is Proven From All sahii hadees “At Taif Al Mansoorah OR Firqatun Naajiyah”
( Victorious Group OR Saved Group )..…

1)—>>Regarding the Victorious Group Imaam al-Bukhaaree (d.256H)

said in the explanation of the Hadeeth which mentions At-Taif Al Mansoorah:”

….(it) means “Ahlul Hadeeth…”

(Mas’alatul Ihtijaaj Bishaf’ee Lil Khateeb Page 47 and Authentic Chain, Al Hujjatu Fee Bayaanul
Muhajja 1/246)

2)Abdullah Bin Mubaarak (d.151H) said,According to me, they are “As-haabul-Hadeeth” (the
Followers of Hadeeth).[Sharaf As-haabul-Hadeeth] of al-Khateebal-Baghdaadee (d.468H)

3) Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal (241 H) said about the Victorious Group:

“if the Victorious Group are not the“ Ashaabul Hadeeth” then I don’t know who are they
”(Ma’rifatu Uloom Ul Hadeeth Lil Haakim pg 2, Fath ul Baari 13/250.

And Also Imam Ahmed said “According to us, Ahlul hadeeth is a person that Acts upon a
hadeeth” [Manaaqib Al-Imam Ahmed Li Ibn Al Jawzi Pg 208 with Authentic Chain]

4)Ibn Muflih (763 H) said:“Ahul Hadeeth, they are the Victorious Group, established upon the
Haqq (Absolute truth)”

(Al Adaab Ul Shar’rah 1/211)

5)Imam Sufyaan Thawri (d.161H)rahimuallah about Ahlul Hadith,

he said, “Angels are the guardians of the heavens and “Ashabul Hadith” are the guardians of the
earth”.

[Sharaf As-habul Hadith]

6)Imam Shaf’ee (204 H) Said:“Whenever I see a person from the Ashaabul Hadeeth (People of
Hadeeth), then it is as if I have seen the Prophet Sallahu Alehi Wassallam “Alive”

(Sharfu Ashaab Ul Hadeeth Lil Khateeb Pg.94, Authentic Chain….

and Also Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee (d.204AH)

said:”Stick to the Ahlul-Hadeeth, since they are the most correct of the people”

( As -Siyaar 14/197) and Also Abu Naeem Mal Asbahani (430 H) Said:

“And Ash-Sha’fee was upon the Madhab of “Ahul Hadeeth”

(Hulyatul Awliya 9/112)

7)Ali bin Abdullah Al Madeeni (234 H), who was the Teacher of Imam Bukhari, said:“They are the
“Ahul Hadeeth”

8)Shaykh Abdul-Qaadir al-Jeelaanee(d.561H) said,As for al-Firqatun- Naajiyah (the Saved-Sect) it

is Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaaah, and there is no name for Ahlus- Sunnah except one – and that is
As-haabul-Hadeeth (thePeople of Hadeeth).

Al-Ghuniyatut-Taalibeen (p. 212)

9) Khateeb Baghdadi (463 H) has written a Book on the Virtues of the Ahlul Hadeeth, titled:Sharf
Ashaab al-Hadeeth, and also Check Tareekh ul Baghdad 1/224

10)Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (d.728Ah)said:Hence it is clear that the people who most
deserve to be called the victorious group are “Ahl al- Hadeeth wa’l-Sunnah”, who have no leader
to follow blindly apart from the Messenger of Allah (peace andblessings of Allah be

upon him). They are the most knowledgeable of people concerning his words and deeds,the
most able to distinguish between what is sound and what is not [of hadeeth]. Their imams have
deep knowledge of that, they are the ones who understand its meanings and are the most
sincere in following it.They accept it and believe in it, and act upon it. They show love to those
who adopt it and they show enmity to those who oppose it. They are the ones who measure any
idea against that which is proven in the Qur’an and Sunnah, so they never adopt any idea and
make it one of the basic principles of their religion unless it is proven in that which the
Messenger brought. Rather they make that which the Messenger brought,the Qur’an and
Sunnah, the foundation and basis of their beliefs. With regard to the issues concerning which
people dispute, such as the attributes of Allah, the divine decree, the threat of Hell, the names
of Allah and the principle of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, etc., they refer
that to Allah and His Messenger. They examine the general ideas concerning which the different
groups dispute, and whatever of these ideas is in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah, they
approve of it, and whatevergoes against the Qur’an and Sunnah, they reject it.They do not follow
conjecture or whims and desires. For following conjecture is ignorance and following whims and
desires

without any guidance from Allah is wrong doing.

(Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 3/347, 348)

And also Sheikh-Ibne Taymiyyah said “We do not take the meaning of Ahlul Hadeeth to just
mean the people who heard (ahadeeth), wrote them or narrated them rather we mean anyone
who takes care to memorize it, understand it and follow it, both inwardly and
outwardly.”[Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 4/95]

–>>The explanation of Ibn Taymiyyah Rahimahullah proves that Ahlul hadeeth means 2 types of
people: The Muhadditheen and their Awaam.

11) Surah Al-Isra 17:71

‫ل‬
‫ك فييقفرمءيوفن تكتتفبمه يم فوفل مييظفلمميوفن ففتتييلل‬
‫س تبتافماتمته ‌‌يم فففمين ا ميوتتفى تكتتفب هه تبفيتمييتنهه ففماوتلٮتٮ ف‬
‫فييوفم فنيدمعيوا مكلل ا مفنا س س‬

“(And remember) the Day when We shall call together all human beings with their (respective)
Imam [their Prophets, or their records of good and bad deeds, or their Holy Books like the
Quran, the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), etc.]. So whosoever is given his record in his right
hand, such will read their records, and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the least.”

Ibn Katheer (774 H) said in the Tafseer of this Verse in his Most Famous Tafseer ibn Katheer:

“And Some Salafs said: This (verse) is the Greatest honour for the Ashaabul Hadeeth because
their Imaam is the Prophet MUHAMMAD Sallaho Alayhi Wassallam”

Tafseer Ibn Katheer Surah Al-Isral Verse 71.

Jalal Ud Deen Suyuti (911 H) recorded a Similar Tafseer of this Verse:

“There is not a Greater honour than that (verse) for the Ashaabul Hadeeth because they Do Not
Have an Imaam other than Him (Sal Allahu Alaihi Wasallam)”.

(Tadreeb Ul Raawi 2/126, Noo’27)

Finally –>> Ahlul hadeeth or Ahlus Sunnah are not only Muhadaseen, those who practice on the
hadith are also included in them i.e. their “Awam”(General People Also)as said by

1) Imam Ahmad Bin Hambal in{ Manaqib Imam Ahmad by Ibn Jawzi page 208},

2)Sheikhul-Islam Imam Ibn Tamiya in Majmu Fatawa 4/95,

3)Ibn Hibban in al-Ihsaan no. 6129, see also Majalla Al Hadith no: 76 page 6

4)Ameerul-Mumineen Fil Muhaddaseen Imam Bukhari in Al-Hujjah fee bayaan Al-Muhajja

1/246 ,Imam Bin Hanbal in Fath ul Baari 13/250 and Imam Al-Madeeni in Sunan Tirmidhi H#2999
have stated thatthe Victorious Group OR Saved Sect is Ahlul hadeeth. So if “Ahlul hadeeth”
stands for Muhaddaseen ONLY then does this means only the muhadditheen will be going to
Jannah and their general public will not go to Jannah?????

The characteristics of the victorious group

From the ahaadeeth quoted above, and other reports, we can derive the following
characteristics of the victorious group:

(1) They follow the truth. They are described variously as “following the truth,” “following the
commandments of Allaah,” “following the true religion,” etc.

All of these phrases indicate that they are adhering to the true religion with which Muhammad
(peace be upon him) was sent.
(2) They obey the commandments of Allaah, which means:

(a) They are distinguished from the rest of mankind by carrying the banner of Da’wah towards
Allaah.

(b) They undertake the mission of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil.

(3) They will be victorious until the Last Hour.

The ahaadeeth say that “they will be victorious until the decree of Allaah comes,” “they
victoriously support the truth,” or “they will be victorious over those who oppose them.”

This victory includes:

Being open and not hiding: they are well-known and prominent and have the upper hand.

Adherence to true religion, righteousness, following Allaah’s commands and fighting against His
enemies in jihaad

Victory by defeating others

(4) They are patient and resist others with patience.

Abu Tha‘labah al-Khashani (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace
be upon him) said: “After you there will come days of patience, in which the patience required
will be like having to hold a burning coal in one’s hand.”
Who are the people of the victorious sect?

Al-Bukhaari said: “They are the people of knowledge (the scholars).”

Many scholars said that the victorious group is the scholars of hadeeth.

Al-Nawawi said: “It is possible that this group is scattered among all types of believers. Some
may be brave fighters, or fuqahaa’, or scholars of hadeeth, or ascetics, or people who enjoin
good and forbid evil, and other types of good people.”

Al-Nawawi also said: “It could be a group of different types of believers, including those who are
brave and skilled in warfare, faqeehs, scholars of hadeeth, Qur’aanic commentators
(mufassireen), those who enjoin good and forbid evil, ascetics and devoted worshippers.”

Ibn Hajar, may Allaah have mercy on him, explained the matter as follows: “They do not have to
all be in one city; they could be gathered in one country or dispersed across the world. They may
be gathered in one city or in a part of it. It is possible that one group may exist, then disappear,
then be replaced by another group, and so on, until the Day of Judgement, when all will
disappear except for one group in one city, who will disappear when the breeze decreed by
Allaah comes.”

The scholars’ discussion of this group does not specify one type of people, or one city or country,
except for the last group, which will be in al-Shaam (the territory comprising modern-day Syria,
Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine) and will fight the Dajjaal, as the Prophet (peace be upon him)
said.

No doubt those who are involved with the sciences of sharee’ah – ‘aqeedah, fiqh, hadeeth and
tafseer, studying and teaching – are the people who are most qualified to be called the
Victorious Group, and they should be at the forefront of da’wah and jihaad, and enjoining what
is good and forbidding what is evil, and refuting the people of bid’ah, all of which must be
accompanied with sound knowledge based on the Wahy (Revelation).
Characteristics of the saved group

The most prominent characteristic of the saved group is adherence to the way of the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ‘aqeedah (belief), ‘ibaadah (worship), manners
and attitude, and dealings with others. The saved group has distinct characteristics in these four
areas.

In matters of ‘aqeedah you will find that they adhere to that which is indicated by the Book of
Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), i.e.,
absolute Oneness (Tawheed) of the Divinity and Lordship of Allaah, and of His Names and
Attributes.

In matters of worship, you will find that this group is distinguished by its total adherence to and
application of that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do
with regard to different kinds of acts of worship, how they are done, to what extent, where and
when, and for what reasons. You will not find them introducing innovations into the religion of
Allaah, rather they show the utmost respect towards Allaah and His Messenger, so they do not
put themselves forward before Allaah and His Messenger (cf. al-Hujuraat 49:1) by suggesting any
innovated act of worship for which He has not granted permission.

In matters of manners and attitude, you will also find that they differ from others by virtue of
their good attitudes such as wishing the Muslims well, being content, having a cheerful
countenance, speaking well, being generous, being courageous, and other noble and good
characteristics.

In matters of dealings with others, you will find that they deal with others in an open and sincere
manner. They are the ones to whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
referred when he said: “The two parties (to a transaction) have the choice (of proceeding with
the transaction or cancelling it) until they separate. If they are sincere and open, their
transaction will be blessed for them, and if they are lying or deceitful, the blessing will be lost.”

If a person is lacking in any of these characteristics, then does not mean that he is not one of the
saved group, but for all, there will be degrees according to that which they did (cf. al-Ahqaaf
46:19). Falling short in matters of Tawheed may put a person outside the saved group, such as
lacking in ikhlaas (sincerity or purity of intention). The same applies to bid’ah, as a person may
do acts of bid’ah which put him outside the saved group.

In matters of morals and dealings with others, defects in such matters do not put a person
outside this group, although they may reduce him in status.

We need to look in more detail at the matter of attitude and manners. One of the most
important matters of attitude and manners is unity and uniting upon the truth. This is what
Allaah urges us to do in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“He (Allaah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islamic Monotheism) which He ordained for
Nooh (Noah), and that which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad), and that which We
ordained for Ibraaheem (Abraham), Moosa (Moses) and ‘Eesa (Jesus) saying you should establish
religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically) and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e.
various sects in religion)” [al-Shoora 42:13]

Allaah tells us that those who divide their religion and break up into sects, Muhammad (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has nothing to do with them. Allaah says (interpretation of
the meaning):

“Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects), you
(O Muhammad) have no concern in them in the least” [al-An’aam 6:159]

Unity and harmony are among the most prominent characteristics of the saved sect – Ahl al-
Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah. If any dispute arises among them, stemming from ijtihaad in matters
where ijtihaad is permitted – they do not bear ill-will, enmity or grudges against one another.
Rather they regard one another as brothers even though these differences arise between them.
One of them will pray behind another even if he thinks that he does not have wudoo’ whilst the
imaam thinks that he does have wudoo’. For example, one of them may pray behind another
who has eaten camel meat, and this imaam thinks that this does not break wudoo’ whereas the
person praying behind him thinks that it does break wudoo’. So he believes that his prayer
behind this imaam is valid, but if he himself were to pray in that state on his own he would think
that his prayer is not valid. All this is because they believe that differences which arise from
ijtihaad in cases where ijtihaad is allowed, are not really differences, because each of them has
followed evidence (daleel) as he is obliged to do, and which should not be ignored. So they
believe that if their brother differs from them with regard to some action because he is following
the evidence (daleel), then in effect he is agreeing with them, because they advocate following
the evidence wherever it is. So although he differs from them, he is still following evidence from
the Book of Allaah or the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him). The scholars are not unaware of the differences of this nature that arose among the
Sahaabah even during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), but
he did not rebuke them. When he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came back from
the campaign of al-Ahzaab, and Jibreel came to him and told him to go out to Bani Qurayzah,
who had broken the treaty, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told his
companions, “None of you should pray ‘Asr until he reaches Bani Qurayzah.” They set out from
Madeenah to Bani Qurayzah, and they were worried about missing the ‘Asr prayer. Some of
them delayed the ‘Asr prayer until they reached Bani Qurayzah, and they prayed it after the time
for the prayer had passed, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had
said, “None of you should pray ‘Asr until he reaches Bani Qurayzah.” Others prayed ‘Asr on time,
saying that all the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had meant was that they
should hasten to go out (to Bani Qurayzah); he did not mean that they should delay the prayer.
These are the ones who were correct, but the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) did not rebuke either of the two groups, and neither expressed enmity towards the other.
The Muslims who claim to follow the Sunnah should be one ummah and not divide into groups,
fighting one another verbally and arguing and hating one another for a matter in which it is
allowed to have different opinions. There is no need to mention every group by name; the smart
person will understand what I mean.

I think that Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah should unite even though they differ in the ways in
which they understand those texts which may be interpreted in different ways. That is a matter
in which there is room for differences, may Allaah be praised. What matters is harmony and
unity. No doubt the enemies of Islam want the Muslims to be divided, whether they are enemies
who express their enmity openly or they are enemies who make an outward display of
friendliness towards Muslims and Islam, but that is not real. We must be distinguished by this
characteristic which is the characteristic of the saved group, i.e., being united.

Source: Majmoo’ Fataawa Wa Rasaa’il Li Fadeelat Al-Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih

Al-‘Uthaymeen, Vol. 1, P. 38-41