Question

I have a question regarding a hadith that says, "Differences [of opinion] in my Ummah are a blessing." Some people say that this hadith is a fabrication and a lie against the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Answer

People often quote this statement as a hadith, but it is not mentioned in the six authentic collections of Hadith and its isnad (chain of narrators) is also not known. There are various versions of this statement. In some versions it is mentioned, "The difference of opinions among my Companions is a mercy for you." Or "The difference of opinions of my Companions is a mercy for my Ummah." Many scholars of Hadith consider all these versions as weak (da`if) as far as their narration is concerned.

According to the Qur'an and the Sunnah, not all differences of opinions (ikhitlaf) are mercy. Some are acceptable and some are not acceptable. Some could be called "mercy" but some are "problematic, ugly and even a curse." Islam allows differences of opinions, but it has given us broad principles of unity and basic rules and guidelines for the differences of opinions. Not every person's difference of opinion is good and valid. Only those who are qualified to express an opinion in any given subject are also allowed to differ according to the rules of that subject. Medical doctors have the right to differ with other medical doctors. Engineers have the right to differ with other engineers. Lawyers can differ among themselves. But one cannot say that everyone has the right to differ and everyone's opinion is valid. It will be foolish for an engineer to differ with a medical doctor on a medical issue. Similarly, it is wrong for a medical doctor to give an opinion on a juristic issue of which he or she does not have much knowledge.

A difference of opinion in such a haphazard manner is not mercy; it may be a curse. Of course we should be tolerant and we should allow the difference of opinions, but we should also be very careful in giving our opinions.

I would very much recommend that you read Dr. Taha Jaber `Alwani's book, The Ethics of Disagreement in Islam. It is a very valuable book. You can read it by clicking here.