THE MANY FACES OF ISLAM – How a Faith Became so Divided

Genuinely the best presentation on the 'history of Islam' YouTube sector. A well arranged, precise and compelling presentation that doesn't sound like a mere regurgitation of Wikipedia entries and recycled articles. Looking forward to more in this series coming from an authentic voice. Bravo 👏🏾

As a muslim I've always found it interesting, even comforting in a weird way that none of this is unexpected. From the get go, Allah has revealed through the Prophet SAW that muslims will be divided into dozens of sects and camps. And only few of them will still be on the straight path come the end.

I watched the whole video! Very eloquent and concise. Here are some points of my own: 7:36 The Khawarij actually attracted many influential people such as the poet known as Abu Tayyeb Al Mutanabbi, who initially joined them and revolted against the Abbasids. But he later abadoned their ideology. The famous Arab poet Imran bin Hattan was also once a Khariji 8:40 Although the Mu'tazilites were initially non-political, their stance against predestination attracted many anti-umayyad figures such as Zayd ibn Ali, who studied under Wasil Ibn Atta (founder of Mu'tazilism). Zayd ibn Ali stated that the Umayyads were using predestination as a political tool to force people to accept tyranny as their destiny and the will of Allah. 16:40 Another reason for the revolt of Zayd ibn Ali was due to an inheritance dispute with his cousin abdullah. The umayyads refused to give Zaud his inheritance because his mother was a Indian slave women. The caliph Hisham met Zayd in his palace he stated: "how can you become caliph when your mother was an Indian slave?" Zayd replied "The prophet Ismails mother was a slave called Hajar, and Allah gave him prophethood which is higher than caliphate" 20:17 Yes, the Sufis Indeed turned away from politics. Infact, one one occasion, some people came to Hasan Al Basri and asked him whether they should join the rebellion of Al Ash'ath against Hajjaj bin Yusuf (Umayyad Caliph). Hassan Al Basri replied "do not be a part of either party" 22:39 The Austrian muslim knwon as Muhammad Asad also tried to revive the Zahiri school and called himself a Zahiri 23:33 an interesting fact that many dont know is that Shamz Tabrizi, who was the teacher of the famous poet Rumi, was once a member of the Ismaili assasin sect. But he later rejected their ideas. 25:41 although Alevis faced persecution in Turkey, the Sunni Turkish scholar known as Said Nursi had good relations with them. 28:16 Yes, you are correct. To add further to this, some interesting facts are that the Darul Uloom Deoband University in India was founded after the 1857 rebellion against the British in India, which many deobandis such as Muhammad Qasim Nanotwi participated in! 29:05 Yes absolutely, my local mosque follows the Barelvi school and they recite Dhikr loudly after each Salah 33:42 Interesting fact: one of the leaders of the Chisti order, known as Moinuddin Chisti, was famous for confronting the Mughal ruler Akbar and correcting his false belief that he was a God. 34:19 some historians state that during his youth, Rumi studied under Ibn Al Arabi while he was in damascus. Although I only found this in some sources, its interesting to point out. 34:54 I would say that Naqshabandis have hsitorically been one of the most Politically active Sufi orders. Sheikh Mansur of Chechnya who fought the russian empire, Ahmad Sirhindi who resisted the Mughal Emporer Akbar, The Kurdish Sheikh Said who revolted against Ataturk, and the Naqshabandis of Iraq who resisted the American occupation, all shared the same Naqshabadi order. 35:49 One of the most my favourite sayings by Abdul Qadir Jilani is: "Do not try to obtain your share of the worldly gifts in a way that you have to keep standing before it like a beggar. You ought to be like a sovereign who keeps himself seated while the gifts are presented before him. This world acclaims those who stand and wait at the door of god almighty but it demeans those who wait upon it. Therefon:, get your share of the worldly benefits without demeaning yourself or compromising your dignity, and this is what Allah expects of you."

Great video! The best response to all these “divisions”, “labels” & “groups” is Qur’an Verses 6:159, 3:105 & 22:78.

What a great video to find after Asr. Thank you and may Allah bless you and your family greatly InshaAllah

Thank you Tareq. Everything is very complicated but interesting. 🙏😘

Thank you!  I know it's a huge subject and I myself try to understand it better. You narrowed it down to the essentials of each group hopefully without misrepresenting anyone (i know it is hard to do so). Well done! The ummah needs to remember "the ummah" ...now more than ever.

Great video❤ (Btw Eid Mubarak)🎉

Jazakallahu khairan ❤ peace and blessings from Dagestan ❤

Your investigative efforts have been truly exceptional, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and thoroughness..During our 12 years of studies, we were never introduced to this simple yet highly effective categorization of the various parts of Islam. This topic plays a vital role in organizing and understanding information across various fields. The absence of this content from our educational curriculum is particularly striking given the explanation you provided.

I'm watching this while working and realizing i need to rewatch it again with extra attention because there are definitely several words that i need to research while you talk first, in order to understand the context better. As an atheist born in a catholic household, this is very interesting. Thank you! 🙌💗☺

I believe you left out much about the Ahmedis. You failed to mention Mirza Ghulam Ahmad claimed to have been divinely appointed as both the Promised Mahdi (Guided One) and Messiah. This is the reason why most Muslims, both shia and sunni, consider them to be non-muslims...

This was really eye opening, really appreciate your hard work, never thought there was so much division and different approaches to Islam, not sure if this is a positive or a negative, one thing is for sure though, modern nationalism, old sectarian differences have put paid to a united people belonging to one ummah following the example of our nabi pbuh, your ending is so true and a powerful call for unity which we so badly need in the face of a colonising and marauding west you only have to look at Gaza, yet our elites and maulana class will not heed this simple truth, may Allah protect you and the rest of us

huge amount of info , simplified, thanks

I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray. This day the disbeliever's despair of prevailing against your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me (Allah)! This day have I perfected for you, your religion and fulfilled My favor unto you, and it hath been My good pleasure to choose Islam for you as your religion. (Surah 5, Ayah 3)

Such a good video. Thank you!!

This channel is very under rated. It should grow more for such an amazing content.

You deserved my subscription

Great video! The only way back to bi-la tai'fa is to study all, understand all and to understand the essence of Islam in each and every one. May Allah bring us another Golden Age, Inshallah ameen.

In my personal opinion, this is your best work that I have come across thus far. Thank you for this elucidation and your conclusion about us all being from the same tree is apt. I hope the larger body of Muslims, in whatever denomination they abide will understand this fundamental. Personally, I have grown to be non-demoninational . May Allah continue to grow us all in His Deen. I came across your works barely a month ago and I am hooked. Thanks for the work you do for Islam and Muslims.