Prohibition of Factionalism and the Division of the Religion

Question:
Abu Hisham from Dammam says: In the saying of Allah the Exalted, he asks, may Allah bless you: What is meant by that? What is the division of the religion? And is it permissible to form factions in the religion?

Answer:
Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, said: "Establish religion and do not differ in it. It is a great thing for the polytheists that to which you call them. And establish prayer and do not be among the polytheists, among those who divided their religion and became sects, every faction rejoicing in what is with them." So factionalism and divisions are a matter about which Allah, Mighty and Majestic, has forbidden us, and He has legislated for us to be one community upon the truth and following the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). So the Muslims are one community in all the lands, even if their regions are far apart, for they are brothers who love one another and support one another upon the truth and upon what pleases Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He. They are brothers in religion, even if their regions and their homes are far apart; they are brothers in religion. And brotherhood in religion is stronger than brotherhood in lineage, because brotherhood by religion remains and bears fruit, unlike brotherhood in lineage, which is of little benefit if it is devoid of religion and of holding fast to the Book and the Sunnah.