The Terminology of Ahl Al-Sunnah Wa Al-Jamaah and its Affiliated Groups According to Tuan Guru Haji Abd Hadi Awang

Abstract

The group of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah is fundamentally grounded in the principles of the Qur'an and the Sunnah, aligning with the nomenclature directly linked to these two terms. Various groups claim to truly represent Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah, while those of differing views are excluded from this designation. Given this context, many scholars have striven to unify the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah by proposing a more comprehensive definition without neglecting the fundamental pillars of faith. Prominent among them is Tuan Guru Haji Abd Hadi bin Awang, an eminent scholar from Terengganu. The aim of this study is to elucidate Tuan Guru Haji Abd Hadi bin Awang's perspectives on the definition of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah and the groups included within it. Adopting a qualitative approach, this research refers to his writings, interpretative texts, jurisprudential books, and contemporary fatwas. The data has been gathered using document analysis methods, which include descriptive, deductive, and comparative analysis. The findings reveal that, the groups considered part of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah are the Muslims united in their stance on foundational religious matters and who maintain a unified position when addressing significant challenges facing the Muslim community. These are individuals steadfastly adhering to the Prophet's sunnah and the beliefs of those who followed him, including his companions, the successors, and those who subsequently followed their path in terms of belief, speech, and practice. This includes the Ash'ariyyah, Maturidiyyah, Hadith scholars, Sufis, scholars of the four legal schools and their proponents, the Wahhabiyyah, and others.