As for the remaining groups, they are characterized by deviation, division, religious innovations, and whims. None of these groups comes close in size to the saved group, let alone equals it; indeed, a group among them may be exceedingly small.
The distinguishing feature of these groups is their departure from the Book, the Sunnah, and consensus. Whoever upholds the Book, the Sunnah, and consensus belongs to the people of the Sunnah and the community.
As for identifying these groups, people have written works about them and discussed them in books on sects and doctrines. However, to assert definitively that this group, described . . . (1), is one of the seventy-two requires evidence. Allah has forbidden speaking without knowledge in general, and speaking about Him without knowledge in particular. He, Most High, says:
“Say, ‘My Lord has only forbidden immoral deeds, whether committed openly or secretly; sin and unjust aggression; associating with Allah that for which He has sent down no authority; and saying about Allah what you do not know.’”
And He, Most High, says:
“O mankind, eat of whatever is lawful and wholesome on earth, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is a clear enemy to you.”
“He only commands you to commit evil and indecency, and to say about Allah what you do not know.”
And He, Most High, says:
“Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge.”
Moreover, many people speak about these groups on the basis of conjecture and whim. They regard their own faction, and those affiliated with and loyal to the leader they follow, as the people of the Sunnah and the community, while regarding those who oppose that faction as people of religious innovation. This is manifest misguidance.
For the people of truth and the Sunnah follow none other than the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who does not speak from his own desire: it is nothing but revelation revealed. He is the one who must be believed in everything he reports and obeyed in everything he commands, and it is not