Islamic Sects & Groups

The mainstream body of Muslims who follow the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and the understanding of the Companions. Identified by the Prophet ﷺ as the saved sect (al-firqah an-najiyah) in the hadith of the 73 sects. Encompasses the four schools of fiqh (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali) and the accepted aqeedah schools (Athari, Ash'ari, Maturidi).

The creed of accepting the apparent meaning of Quran and Sunnah regarding divine attributes without ta'wil (metaphorical interpretation), takyeef (asking how), or tamtheel (comparison to creation). The methodology of the Salaf al-Salih (pious predecessors). Also called the creed of the Ahl al-Hadith. Championed by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and later by Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim.

Est. 874 CE

A school of Islamic theology founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari (d. 935 CE) that uses limited rational argumentation to defend the creed of Ahl us-Sunnah against Mu'tazilah rationalism. Accepts Allah's attributes but differs from the Athari position in its use of ta'wil (metaphorical interpretation) for some attributes. Predominant among Shafi'i and Maliki scholars historically.

Est. 900 CE

A school of Islamic theology founded by Abu Mansur al-Maturidi (d. 944 CE) in Samarkand. Similar to the Ash'ari school in defending Ahl us-Sunnah creed through rational argument, with some distinct positions — most notably on the attributes of Allah and on human agency. Predominant in Central Asia and historically the dominant aqeedah school among Hanafi scholars.

Est. 37h (657 CE)

The first major deviant sect in Islamic history, emerging in 657 CE (37 AH) after the Battle of Siffin. They rejected the arbitration between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiyah, declaring that judgment belongs to Allah alone (la hukma illa lillah). They held that Muslims who commit major sins become kafir and are to be killed, and they rebelled against the Muslim rulers of their time. The Prophet ﷺ described them as 'dogs of the Fire' who would recite the Quran without it passing their throats.

Est. 61h (680 CE)

An early deviant sect that denied Allah's predestination (qadar), holding that human beings create their own actions independently of Allah's will and foreknowledge. Emerged in Basra around 680 CE. Ibn Umar reportedly called them 'Majus of this Ummah' because, like the Zoroastrians who posited two creators (good and evil), the Qadariyyah in effect posited that humans create their own actions independently of Allah.

Est. 65h (684 CE)

A moderate offshoot from the early Khawarij movement, founded by Abdullah ibn Ibad in 684 CE. Unlike the Khawarij, the Ibadis do not consider ordinary Muslim sinners to be kafir — they consider them 'ungrateful disbelievers' (kuffar ni'mah) rather than polytheists. They reject armed rebellion and accept peaceful coexistence. Concentrated today primarily in Oman, Zanzibar, and parts of Libya and Algeria. The Ibadi community in Oman is the world's most significant.

Est. 81h (700 CE)

An early theological school that emerged in the late 7th century as a reaction to the Khawarij extremism on faith and sin. They held that actions are not part of faith (iman), and that as long as one holds belief in the heart, sins do not harm one's faith or status as a Muslim. The name derives from irja' (postponement) — they 'postponed' judgment on Muslim sinners to Allah alone.

Est. 127h (745 CE)

A deviant theological sect founded by Jahm ibn Safwan (d. 745 CE), who was executed for his heterodox positions. Held that Allah has no attributes whatsoever (ta'til — complete negation of attributes), that the Quran is created, and that faith is only knowledge in the heart without affirmation or action. Jahm was influenced by Indian and Greek philosophical ideas. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal wrote extensively against the Jahmiyyah.

Est. 132h (750 CE)

A rationalist theological school that emerged in Basra around 750 CE under Wasil ibn Ata after he parted from the circle of al-Hasan al-Basri. Prioritized rational philosophy (kalam) over transmitted text (naql) in matters of theology. Most notably held that the Quran was created, denied seven of Allah's attributes (claiming affirming them creates partners), and held that human beings create their own actions (free will over divine predestination). The 'Abbasid Caliph al-Ma'mun imposed their doctrine as state creed in the Mihna (833 CE), under which Imam Ahmad was tortured.

Est. 1900 CE

A modern movement rejecting the authority of the Hadith and Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, claiming the Quran alone is sufficient. Known by various names including Ahl al-Quran, Quraniyoon, and Submitters. Despite modern framing, this is a revival of the classical heresy of rejecting the Sunnah, which was addressed by Imam al-Shafi'i in his al-Risalah (c. 820 CE). Emerged in South Asian reformist movements in the late 19th century and has spread through the internet in the 20th–21st centuries.

Est. 40h (661 CE)

Shia Islam is a broad umbrella encompassing various groups that arose following the assassination of Ali ibn Abi Talib (661 CE / 40 AH) and hold that the Imamate should have passed through the lineage of Ali and Fatimah. Theological and political positions range widely — from the relatively moderate Zaydis to the extreme Rafidah. Ahl us-Sunnah scholarship distinguishes carefully between ordinary Shia laymen (potentially within the fold) and groups with specific doctrinal positions that place them outside it.

Est. 122h (740 CE)

The Zaydi branch of Shia Islam, named after Zayd ibn Ali ibn al-Husayn, who revolted against the Umayyad Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik in 740 CE. Of all the Shia groups, the Zaydis are closest to Ahl us-Sunnah in theology and jurisprudence. They do not believe in the infallibility (ismah) of Imams, do not invoke dead Imams, and accept the first three caliphs as legitimate (if not the most excellent). They believe Ali was more deserving but do not curse Abu Bakr or Umar. Concentrated today primarily in Yemen.

Est. 260h (874 CE)

The largest Shia group, following twelve Imams from Ali ibn Abi Talib to Muhammad al-Mahdi, the twelfth Imam who is believed to have entered occultation in 874 CE (260 AH) and will return at the End of Times. Predominant in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, and parts of Pakistan. The mainstream Twelver doctrine — as found in the primary religious texts (al-Kafi) — includes beliefs that Ahl us-Sunnah scholars consider shirk, particularly invoking the Imams in du'a after their deaths.

Organized spiritual brotherhoods (tariqahs) that emerged in the Islamic world from around the 9th–10th centuries CE. Each order is centered on a founding saint (Shaykh) whose spiritual chain (silsilah) is traced back to the Prophet ﷺ, and involves bay'ah (pledge of allegiance) to a living shaykh, distinctive dhikr formulas, initiation rites, and hierarchical spiritual progression. The institution of organized tariqahs — as distinct from Sufi spirituality in general — is considered bid'ah (innovation) by Ahl us-Sunnah scholars. Some orders have developed practices that cross into shirk, particularly invoking dead saints (istighatha).

Est. 1166 CE

The oldest and one of the most widespread Sufi orders, named after Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (1077–1166 CE) of Baghdad. Has tens of millions of followers across Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. The order emphasizes the practice of dhikr and service to creation as spiritual disciplines. Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani himself is venerated to a degree that has crossed into grave worship in many branches of the order.

Est. 1389 CE

A major Sufi order founded by Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Bukhari (1318–1389 CE) in Central Asia. One of the most influential orders globally, with major presence in Central Asia, Turkey, the Indian subcontinent, and the Caucasus. Known for silent dhikr (khafi) rather than audible group dhikr. Has historically been involved in political resistance movements.

Est. 1142 CE

A Sufi order founded in Ajmer, India by Moinuddin Chishti (d. 1236 CE). One of the most popular orders in South Asia, known for the use of qawwali (devotional music) as a spiritual practice, and the veneration of shrines (dargahs) of Sufi saints. The order holds that music and sama' (listening to spiritual music) are legitimate paths to spiritual states.

Est. 1781 CE

A Sufi order founded in North Africa by Ahmad al-Tijani (1735–1815 CE). Highly influential in West Africa (Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Mauritania). Claims that the founder received the Salat al-Fatih directly from the Prophet ﷺ in a waking vision, that this prayer is equivalent to 600,000 recitations of the entire Quran, and that members of the order are guaranteed paradise regardless of their deeds. The order also forbids its members from participating in other Sufi orders.

Est. 1258 CE

A Sufi order founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili (1197–1258 CE) in North Africa. Prominent in Egypt, the Maghreb, and parts of the Levant. Known for its relative emphasis on engaging in the world rather than complete withdrawal, and for famous litanies (awrad) such as the Hizb al-Bahr attributed to al-Shadhili.

Est. 1273 CE

A Sufi order founded in Konya (present-day Turkey) based on the teachings of Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207–1273 CE). Famous for the Sema ceremony — a ritualistic whirling dance performed as a form of dhikr. Rumi's Persian poetry (the Masnavi) is beloved across the Muslim world and beyond, though his works contain philosophical positions that scholars have contested, including elements influenced by Neo-Platonic and pantheistic thought.

Est. 1700 CE

A reformist movement within Ahl us-Sunnah calling for a return to the methodology of the Salaf al-Salih (pious predecessors) in all matters of creed, worship, and practice. The Salafi methodology is not a new sect but a call to return to the Athari approach of the early Muslims. Major scholars associated with this methodology include Ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328 CE), Ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703–1792 CE), and 20th-century scholars such as Ibn Baz, al-Albani, and Ibn Uthaymin.

Est. 1860 CE

A reformist movement that emerged in 19th-century South Asia, closely paralleling the Salafi movement and sharing its core methodology: return to Quran and Sunnah, rejection of strict madhab taqlid, and Athari aqeedah. Distinguished from the Deobandi and Barelvi movements by its emphasis on following authenticated hadith over traditional madhab positions and its rejection of much of popular South Asian religious practice.

Est. 1867 CE

A major Islamic reform movement founded in Deoband, India in 1867 CE, named after the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary. Emerged as a response to British colonial rule and the decline of Muslim political power. Follows the Hanafi madhab in fiqh and is primarily Maturidi in aqeedah, but has strong Deobandi positions on various issues including the prohibition of mawlid celebrations and specific practices it considers bid'ah. Has significant presence in South Asia, the UK, and South Africa.

Est. 1904 CE

A major Islamic movement founded by Ahmad Rida Khan (1856–1921 CE) in Bareilly, India. Characterized by strong veneration of the Prophet ﷺ and Islamic saints, Mawlid celebrations, shrine visitation (urs), and extensive Sufi practices. Dominant in the rural areas of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of the UK. Strongly opposed to the Deobandi and Ahl-e-Hadith movements, issuing takfir against early Deobandi scholars.

Est. 1927 CE

A grassroots Islamic missionary movement founded in Mewat, India in 1927 CE by Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi (1885–1944 CE). Emphasizes personal da'wah and revival through traveling in groups (khuruj) to mosques for three days, 40 days, or four months, calling Muslims back to prayer and basic Islamic practice. One of the largest Islamic movements in the world, with tens of millions of participants globally. Its 'Six Principles' (usul al-sitta) focus on kalima, salah, ilm wa dhikr, ikram al-Muslim, ikhlas al-niyyah, and dawah — largely avoiding political and controversial topics.

Est. 1928 CE

A pan-Islamist political and social movement founded in Egypt in 1928 CE by Hasan al-Banna (1906–1949 CE). One of the most influential Islamist political organizations in the 20th century. Operates across dozens of countries. Emphasizes political participation to establish Islamic governance, social welfare work, and education. Its methodology and theological foundations have been extensively debated by Ahl us-Sunnah scholars.

Est. 1941 CE

A major Islamist political movement founded in British India in 1941 CE by Sayyid Abul Ala Mawdudi (1903–1979 CE). Currently active in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Kashmir. Shares many methodological similarities with the Muslim Brotherhood and has similar scholarly critiques. Mawdudi's interpretations of Islamic governance and his comments on the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ have been specifically criticized by Ahl us-Sunnah scholars.

Est. 1953 CE

A pan-Islamist political party founded in Jerusalem in 1953 CE by Taqiuddin al-Nabhani (1909–1977 CE). Aims to re-establish the Islamic Caliphate through political work, explicitly rejecting armed jihad as a current methodology. Active in dozens of countries. Banned in many Muslim-majority countries. Known for its distinctive ideological training program.

Est. 1988 CE

A militant ideology combining Salafi theological language with Qutbist political theory (from Sayyid Qutb's late works Milestones and In the Shade of the Quran) and Abdullah Azzam's globalized jihad methodology. Applied through organizations including al-Qaeda (founded 1988 CE) and later ISIS/Daesh (founded 2013 CE). Represents a Kharijite methodology in modern form — declaring Muslim rulers and ordinary Muslims kafir, considering their blood lawful, and using extreme violence against Muslim civilians.