Finding the Right Path Under the Guidance of the Quran and Sunnah

Like individuals from other religions, a person raised in a Muslim family grows up with the religious culture and teachings passed down from their family. Generally, they learn the requirements of Islam from their family. But what if there are false teachings or innovations (practices that people have tried to add to the religion over time) among those teachings? In this case, does the person have no responsibility at all? The concept of "following the religion of one's forefathers," frequently mentioned in the Quran, comes into play at this point. However, the Quran commands us to "think" and "reflect" in many verses.

Therefore, one of a person’s most fundamental duties is to seek the truth using their intellect. This responsibility applies to all people, regardless of religion or culture. If you accept the information passed down from your family or generations without questioning it and based solely on emotional attachment, you may become trapped within your beliefs and miss the excitement of exploration.

I. For a Muslim, the first reference source is the final book sent by Almighty Allah (c.c.), the Quran, which has been preserved. The Quran is the most reliable measure by which we can discern right from wrong. Its unchangeability is supported by the many miracles described in various sources. Its mathematical structure is a miracle in itself; if the verses were altered, this order would be disrupted. Indeed, throughout history, no one has been able to do this, nor will they.

II. The next source is the Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (sav). It is essential to be cautious here, as some people who cannot intervene with the Quran have attempted to introduce strife into Hadiths, leading the Muslim community into division. The first thing to note is the well-known Hadith books compiled by scholars who were not influenced by such strife. By being influenced by strife, I mean that if a Hadith scholar displays a negative attitude toward the close companions of the Prophet (sav), know that they have been affected by strife. The Prophet's (sav) close companions have always been pure individuals; only pure individuals can maintain a friendship with the Prophet (sav).

From this perspective, it is necessary to follow reputable Hadith scholars, such as Al-Bukhari and Muslim. It is crucial to rely on strong Hadiths, meaning those narrated by multiple trustworthy individuals independently. We already have the Quran as a benchmark. These Hadith books essentially serve as corroborating sources for each other. Though it may seem complex, we live in a technological age. Researching the Hadiths we hear in these books will certainly not take too much of our time.

III. Thirdly, we can follow the school of thought of great imams who have made significant progress in issues that we cannot find in the Quran and Hadith, such as Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi, Imam Hanbali, and Imam Malik. For instance, when you study Imam Abu Hanifa, you will see how meticulously he addresses even the smallest matters. Certainly, you may raise the critique of "sectarianism," but sectarianism in Islam is different from that in other religions. The school of thought imams issued fatwas based on the fundamental principles we mentioned above.

For example, in the Hanafi school of thought, bleeding causes the ablution to be invalidated, while in the Shafi school, it does not. Here, we see two imams expressing their opinions based on either weak sources or differing interpretations. Imagine a person who continuously bleeds; they could follow the opinion of one of these imams. However, a pious person may prefer to perform ablution. As you can see, the concept of sectarianism in Islam arises from minor issues and does not affect the fundamental belief. Who knows, perhaps this situation is a means of trial.

Of course, the real issue begins after this: What are the thousands of sects and communities that have existed up to this day? How can we trust them? Who is right? Additionally, there are malicious individuals trying to alter Islam. They do not want us to live by Islam, as this contradicts their interests. Allah (c.c.) has prohibited everything devilish, such as usury, loan sharking, immorality, gambling, and alcohol. Therefore, they present us with a rigidly defined religion, telling us, "Do this, do not do that." However, they do not want us to think for ourselves about essential beliefs and social issues. They require blindly ignorant Muslims or those who view religion as merely a hobby. But this is a very serious matter. We see how fast and short life is. Ultimately, there is either an eternal hell or an eternal paradise and peace. Without straying too far from the topic, how will we find our path?

It is essential to examine the individual or group carefully. Are there popular elements that are their weaknesses? Let us analyze them with small examples:

Worship and Belief: Are their worship practices and belief principles complete and flawless? Do they perform their worship fully? Are there innovations (later additions) among them? With the proliferation of social media, we see how some individuals, who may seem correct or have deviated, attempt to confuse people. This is also a game of devilish forces.

Reducing Islam to Rituals: Is religion viewed solely as a matter of rituals? Islam is not limited to worship. Good character, social justice, honesty, human rights, and the welfare of society are also essential elements of Islam. If a group has reduced religion to specific rituals, they are overlooking the holistic structure of Islam. In addition to worship, morality and social responsibilities are also significant.

Truthfulness: Do they lie? Do they engage in gossip? The Prophet (sav) says, "A Muslim never lies." Do they place importance on money? Do not be deceived by those who say times have changed; in fact, everything remains the same. The Prophet (sav) would distribute all his wealth to those in need; he did not hoard. He would help people. The wealth of his companions was for aiding Islam. A person can be wealthy, but we must question whether they are enriching themselves by using religion for their own interests.

Respect and Honor: Do they expect respect from people? Some individuals wish for others to honor them, stand up in their presence, and kiss their hands. However, the Prophet (sav) would not want anyone to stand up for him; he would sit wherever he found a place and command this. One day, a Bedouin came into the assembly and shouted, "Who is Muhammad (sav) among you?" Can you see the delicacy in this? He was indistinguishable from one of them.

Hadith and Dreams: Are they relying on weak hadiths and dreams? Some sects and groups act on weak or fabricated hadiths found in sources with unknown origins to spread their ideology. These can be individuals caught in the games of devilish people or those with ill intent who seek to harm the unity of the religion.

Seeking Help from People: Muslims Worship and Serve Only Allah (c.c.) As stated in Surah Al-Fatiha, Muslims only worship and serve Allah (c.c.). However, people tend to glorify those they love. Such individuals exalt their ancestors, families, and their own groups.

Division into Factions or Groups: Do they praise their own sects and communities? Almighty Allah (c.c.) mentions in many verses of the Quran that dividing religion into factions is wrong. For example:

“As for those who divided their religion and became sects—you have nothing to do with them. Their case rests with God; then He will inform them of what they used to do.“(Surah Al-An’am, 159)

“But they tore themselves into sects; each party happy with what they have.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 53)

Do they speak of their own members going to paradise and their leaders taking them there? The Prophet (sav) said, “O daughter of the Messenger of Allah, Fatima! You should strive to buy yourself from Allah, for I cannot do anything for you.” (Bukhari, Wasaya 11; Tafsir (26) 2; Muslim, Iman 348-352)

Certainly, only Allah (c.c.) grants permission for intercession to those He wills; however, this requires people to have faith and fulfill their religious duties.

Charismatic Leadership: Is there excessive admiration surrounding the group leaders? Some people excessively glorify their leaders, believing them to be infallible. However, in Islam, people are responsible for obeying Allah (c.c.) and our Prophet (sav), not for idolizing their leaders. Excessive glorification of a leader indicates a dangerous tendency toward deification.

Claim of Infallibility of the Leader: Do some groups claim their leaders are infallible? Every human can make mistakes, and even the greatest scholars can err. No one is infallible except the Prophet Muhammad (sav). If a group considers its leader infallible, flawless, and accepts every word as absolute truth, this is a dangerous deviation. Islam encourages reasoning and questioning. No one should follow a person blindly.

Religious Monopolization: Does a group claim to be the true representative of Islam while asserting that all other groups are on the wrong path? In Islam, everyone strives to find the right path, and no one can claim to be the sole authority of religion. If a community insists that only they are on the right path and others are deviant, it reflects arrogance and contradicts the principle of brotherhood in Islam.

Neglecting Community Service: Does the group neglect social assistance and community service? Islam encourages the protection of the poor, helping those in need, and upholding justice. If a community only cares for its own members and does not contribute to society, it indicates a departure from the principles of social justice and mutual aid in Islam.

Pursuit of Social Status and Fame: Are these individuals in pursuit of social status and fame? Some groups and leaders enjoy showing off in front of others, presenting themselves as superior. Our Prophet (sav) lived a simple life, shunned ostentation, and advised his companions to do the same. It is important to question whether a person is working for Allah’s pleasure or for position and fame.

Exerting Pressure on People: Do some groups exert pressure on their members? For example, do they threaten to ostracize them if they try to leave the community? Religion is based on freedom and sincerity. If a group or community imposes forceful requirements on its members, this situation is concerning. There is no coercion in Islam; no one can be forced into religion or to belong to a group.

Religious Exploitation: Are people being financially exploited under the guise of financial support? Are the fundraising activities conducted under the pretense of religion aimed at charity, or do they serve the personal interests of the leaders or the group? In such situations, it is essential to question where the money is spent and whether it truly reaches those in need. Our Prophet (sav) and his companions donated their wealth to spread Islam and help those in need, without pursuing personal gain.

Using Religion for Political Purposes: Are they using religion for political goals? Some groups may use religious ideologies as a tool to achieve political objectives. However, Islam commands actions within the framework of justice, rights, and law. Using religion for political gain contradicts the essence of religion and harms society.

Extreme Rigid Interpretations: Do some communities or groups impose harsh rules that distance people from the essence of Islam by interpreting it excessively strictly? For example, do they portray people as constantly sinful, moving away from Islam's tolerance?

Rejection of Science and Reason: Do they reject science and reason? The Prophet (sav) constantly encouraged his community to seek knowledge. If a group is entirely against modern science, research, and critical thinking, this attitude contradicts the command to "think" in religion. Islam values both spiritual and intellectual knowledge.

Innovations in Belief (Modernism): Are the group’s leaders making changes to core beliefs and worship practices to adapt Islam to the modern world? Some groups may introduce new concepts or practices into Islam in an attempt to align it with contemporary conditions. Such innovations (bid’ah) can lead to deviations from the essence of religion. Islam is a timeless religion that contains principles valid for every era.

Restricting Access to Their Own Books Only: Do they impose a requirement to read only their own writings or group-affiliated books? Some groups instruct their members to read only works written by their leaders and restrict access to outside sources. This can limit a person's access to knowledge and create a one-sided perspective. Islam advises learning knowledge in every field and gaining a broad perspective. 

Cultural Influences: Are their worship practices influenced by beliefs from Shamanism, ancient Greece, Buddhism, Christianity, and Judaism? For example, in some groups, rituals from ancient religions, meditation, or energy-related concepts may be prominent. It is clear that such practices can lead to deviations from the essence of Islam. We must be cautious about practices that have been added to our religion later or borrowed from foreign cultures.

You may diversify examples and expand on the explanations; however, our primary duty is always to adhere to the lifestyle and words based on the Quran and the moral character of our Prophet (sav).

In short, let us read the life of our Prophet and evaluate whether they are following his path. Of course, not everyone can be perfect like him; but at least let us discern whether they are following his way through reason and understanding. Our hearts will guide us to the truth. Good-natured and sincere individuals will reveal themselves this way.