The Saved Group and the Victorious Faction, and the Ruling on Distinguishing Between Them
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Is the issue of the Saved Group and the Victorious Faction among the fundamentals of religion upon which one shows loyalty and hostility? And is the one who distinguishes between the Saved Group and the Victorious Faction an innovator?
It is known among the people of the Sunnah that the Saved Group is the Victorious Faction until the Hour comes. Indeed, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said in *al-'Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah*: "As for what follows, this is the belief of the Saved Group, the Victorious Faction until the Hour comes, the people of the Sunnah and the community. So, the Saved Group, the Victorious Faction until the Hour comes, are two descriptions for a single described entity, and there is no difference between them."
This issue is not among the major issues for which one shows hostility or loyalty. If two people differ in their understanding of it, it is obligatory for every person who disagrees with another to discuss with him calmly, intending to reach the truth. Then, if each remains with what he sees, his matter is left to Allah. Allah Mighty and Majestic will hold him accountable for his intention. However, we do not compel others to what we see; because if we compel others to what we see, we have placed ourselves in a position that is not ours; we have placed ourselves in the rank of being infallible for ourselves and in error for others. This is a dangerous methodology; because no one accepts his statement in every situation except the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). And how is it fitting for a sane person to try to compel others to his opinion, and then not accept that others compel him to their opinion? As for the issue of distinguishing between the Saved Group and the Victorious Faction, I see that the disagreement in this issue does not reach the level of religious innovation. Rather, the disagreeing party must be discussed with calmly, and the truth will become clear if both parties use the etiquette of disagreement and the truth is sought by both parties.
It is known among the people of the Sunnah that the Saved Group is the Victorious Faction until the Hour comes. Indeed, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said in *al-'Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah*: "As for what follows, this is the belief of the Saved Group, the Victorious Faction until the Hour comes, the people of the Sunnah and the community. So, the Saved Group, the Victorious Faction until the Hour comes, are two descriptions for a single described entity, and there is no difference between them."
This issue is not among the major issues for which one shows hostility or loyalty. If two people differ in their understanding of it, it is obligatory for every person who disagrees with another to discuss with him calmly, intending to reach the truth. Then, if each remains with what he sees, his matter is left to Allah. Allah Mighty and Majestic will hold him accountable for his intention. However, we do not compel others to what we see; because if we compel others to what we see, we have placed ourselves in a position that is not ours; we have placed ourselves in the rank of being infallible for ourselves and in error for others. This is a dangerous methodology; because no one accepts his statement in every situation except the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). And how is it fitting for a sane person to try to compel others to his opinion, and then not accept that others compel him to their opinion? As for the issue of distinguishing between the Saved Group and the Victorious Faction, I see that the disagreement in this issue does not reach the level of religious innovation. Rather, the disagreeing party must be discussed with calmly, and the truth will become clear if both parties use the etiquette of disagreement and the truth is sought by both parties.