As Salaam Alaikum,
Bismillah, ir Rahaman, ir Rahiim
When I first came into the knowledge of the Islam religion, Islamic Monotheism, it was because I felt it was what God (Allah) wanted for me. Without getting into my story of conversion, lets just say, Allah guided me back to the right path. Though I have only been practicing Islamic monotheism for probably around 2 months now, I feel a strong connection to it.
Upon first entering, I was told it would be best to study Sunni Islam because that Shiites dealt with "innovations," and that Sunnis dealt with actual Orthodox Islam. Now, I truely do not know what is meant by that but I decided to be a Sunni. I figured it would be easier anyway since I was new to the religion of Islamic Monotheism.
I spent much time perfecting my salat (obligatory prayers). Let it be known that all I want to do is serve Allah perfectly. Well, one day about a week ago, I was discussing some things with one of my Brothers named "Understanding." And he was telling me that being a Sunni Muslim was blasphemous to being a Muslim. At first, I rejected what it was he was saying because I didnt properly listen nor want to hear what he was saying. But, after my initial rejection wore off, I asked him to explain in detail.
From there, he explained to me that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not a Sunni nor a Shiite, but rather he was just a Muslim, point blank. He explained that in essence, the Sunni is the one who adheres to the Sunna, but that is also a point of confusion. What is the real Sunna? Thats the question he posed to me. I, of course, remained somewhat beguiled. What is the real Sunna?
He informed me that the Holy Qur'an as sent down by Allah (swt) to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) condemns all sects. All sects of Islam, whether Sunni, Shiite, Ahmaddis, or Wahabbis have disagreements about Hadith/Sunnah attributed to the Prophet. How, these same sects have no (direct) disagreements about the Holy Qur'an. It is sources of religious law, stories, conjecture, etc. outside the Holy Qur'an which have created these sects. They are following sources and religious scholars, instead of the Holy Qur'an.
The following are Surahs (Chapters) and Ayats (verses) from the Holy Qur'an that prove these statements.
Surah 6:159-Those who divide themselves into sects do not belong with you. Their judgement rests with God, then He will inform them of everything they had done.
Surah 30:32-(Do not fall in idol worship,) like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have.
Surah 42:14-Ironically, they broke into sects only after the knowledge had come to them, due to jealousy and resentment among themselves. If it were not for a predetermined decision from our Lord to respite them for a definite interim, they would have been judged immediately. Indeed, the later generations who inherited the Scripture are full of doubts.
Because of the majority of us Muslims follow conjecture (hadith and Sunna) instead of Qur'an alone (17:46) as Allah has commanded, the Muslims are divided into sects. These sects are there because of differences and disagreements on Hadith rather than disagreements over the Qur'an. Although even today, the difference exist in interpretations of the Qur'an's verses, through translation or through dialect of tribe.
Most of the said above was directly from the email between Brother Understanding and myself. At this point in time, I refuse to lay claim to being a Sunni Muslim nor a Shia Muslim. I am as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was and as Allah (swt) has ordained for us to be. I AM A MUSLIM.
Remember, Muslim means "One who submits to the Will of Allah." So, if you are dividing into sects against the Will of Allah as stated in the Holy Qur'an, then how can you be a Muslim??
As Salaam Alaikum,
Hassan Sayyid
