Chapter: The Division of Religious Communities in Their Religion—and How Many Groups This Ummah Will Divide Into

Muhammad ibn al-Husayn, may Allah have mercy on him, said: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, informed us concerning the community of Moses, peace be upon him, that “they split into seventy-one sects, all of them in the Fire except one.” He also informed us concerning the community of Jesus, peace be upon him, that they differed concerning him, splitting into seventy-two sects: seventy-one of them in the Fire and one in Paradise.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “My ummah will surpass both communities, exceeding them by one sect: seventy-two of them in the Fire and one in Paradise.”

He, peace and blessings be upon him, was then asked, “Which is the saved group?” In one hadith, he replied, “The way that I and my Companions follow.” In another hadith, he said, “The main body.” In another hadith, he said, “One will be in Paradise, and it is the united community.”

I say: They all have the same meaning, if Allah Most High wills.