Q: Is there a difference between Wahabbis and Deobandis? If yes, what is it? I know it can be a bit irrelevant but I don’t go to shrines and family go. I haven’t told them, I just make excuses so, I shared this with some friends and close friends said that I should write to someone but few of them said that it means that my sect is Deobandi and some said Wahabbis.
I’m sure if it’s necessary to have a sect? Please tell me if I’m on the right path and if it’s according to our Deen? If not then what should I do?
A: Deobandis come from India and their thought conforms to the Waliyyullah mashrab and the Maturidi and Ashari beliefs. Overall it is in total conformity with the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaat. Wahhabis do not necessarily conform to these standards in all matters. In many matters they have drifted away.
To follow the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaat and following one of the four imaams in fiqh is essential in conforming to the principles of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaat. Visiting a shrine is not a requirement or symbol of the Ahlus Sunnah.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)