What is the meaning of the hadith of Hudhayfah, “Withdraw from all the sects . . . .”?

The Shaykh : The third question is related to the hadith of Hudhayfah, so what about withdrawing from all those sects?

The questioner : So withdraw from all those sects, O Shaykh.

The Shaykh : This hadith is directly related to our present situation. If the Muslims are divided into sects, parties, and factions, with each group being fanatical about their own group and party, it is not permissible for a Muslim in this state to join any of these sects except for one, if it exists and has an imam who has been pledged allegiance to by the Muslims. In that case, he should be with that group and that faction. However, if there is no group with an imam who has been pledged allegiance to, he should leave all the sects. This does not mean leaving all the sects by isolating himself on top of a mountain. Rather, it means not taking the side of one faction against another. This is the intended meaning of the hadith of Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him).