Question
Is it correct that there is a hadith that states that in order to avoid hell one must follow the majority sect in Islam? If so, how do you reconcile it with your approach to Islam?
Answer
We have not come across any such hadith. If you have the source or the hadith itself it would be helpful for us so that we analyze it and give you an appropriate answer. However, it may be wise to consider that even if such a hadith exists that it would completely be in contradiction to the Qur’anic commandment of not dividing ourselves, the Muslims, into sects.
Turn ye back in repentance to Him, and fear Him: establish regular prayers, and be not ye among those who join gods with Allah,- Those who split up their Religion, and become (mere) Sects,- each party rejoicing in that which is with itself! – Al Room 30:31-32
As such, you can see that the Qur’an does not support any such idea of a “saved sect” whether it is the majority or the minority. It actually rebukes anyone trying to divide themselves and praising themselves as being the righteous ones or the correct sect. It is this very forewarning and admonishment from any such claims of being a “saved sect” and boasting in pride the elevation of one’s own sect all the while dishonoring other members of the Ummah (i.e. Muslim community) because of this claim to supremacy. It is this very sect-centric and over-exaggerated devotion to one’s ideas stemming from sect affiliation that causes the schisms in religion; which the Qur’an clearly forbade with the strongest terms possible.
Our approach to Islam is merely related to understanding. It has nothing to do with any sectoral affiliation. Muslims can have varied opinions, ideas and understandings without removing them from the folds of Islam. Those who accuse others, who are not part of their sect, of falling out of Islam only do so because of their whims without any religious justification and in contradiction to the teachings of the Qur’an. Those who divide themselves will bear the burden of such a flagrant offense that stands in direct defiance to God’s command. If one considers deeply why this commandment is so important then it will become self-evident that this sectarianism is the very disease that has caused the Muslim Ummah an excruciating illness and abysmal decay. That is why the Qur’an speaks so strongly against it. Hence, there are no sects in Islam, that is merely the conception of the acheronian and pretentious mind.
I hope I have clarified the issue.
God knows best.