The Proliferation of Da'wah Groups and Their Differences

Question:
Some people hold that the multitude of groups calling to Allah leads to division and hinders the da'wah to Allah, while others believe that the diversity of groups and their variety in methods and means enriches the da'wah. What is the opinion of Your Eminence, Shaykh 'Abd al-'Aziz?

Answer:
This requires a distinction. There is no doubt that if associations are established, it benefits the Muslims. Indeed, if the groups or associations multiply, but the objectives are one, it does not harm; rather, it benefits the Muslims greatly, because they benefit from the activity of these and the activity of those and the activity of these. But the calamity is when opinions differ and methods vary, and this one criticizes that one and that one criticizes this one; this is a great harm and a major corruption. It is obligatory that the objectives of the groups and associations be directing people to good and calling to the truth, teaching them what benefits them, and freeing them from what harms them. This is the obligatory duty, whether they are from the supporters of the Sunnah, or from the Muslim Brotherhood, or from the group of al-Tarbiyah, or from any other group. It is obligatory that the objectives be one, which is directing people to good, guiding them to what the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) indicate, and cooperating with them in righteousness and piety. And the members of these groups should be a good example in themselves, known for maintaining the prayer and the congregation, known for the soundness of their 'aqidah, known for uprightness in their morals and conduct, known for inclining toward good and staying away from evil. Wherever they are, their concern should not be anything else from the matters of politics, or anything else from the matters of this world. No, rather their concern should be the reform of society. It is obligatory that their concern be the reform of society, and the upbringing of the youth and calling them to good, and caring for the elderly as well, in every place, for they are in need. The elderly and the youth, all of them are in need of da'wah and guidance, in the mosques and other than the mosques, and in the clubs, and in the groups that may arise at the time of marriage or at a celebration for something that necessity may call for. If there is someone in these gatherings who saves [people] and guides to good, and he is himself a good example, known for good, praised for good, and recognized for good, then this is among the greatest causes for the spread of good and the flourishing of the youth and the elderly, men and women, through these diverse groups. But if there is disagreement, and this one says such and such, and that one says such and such, and this one criticizes these and that one criticizes those, then this is a great evil for the Muslims.