“…and do not be of… those who have split up their religion and have become divided into sects, each party exulting in what they have.”
(Al Qur’ān – 30:31-32)
This ayah educates us that there were people who had split up their religion and had become divided into sects; and the people adhering to each sect used to exult in what they believed. It warns the believers against this erratic approach.
This ayah alludes to the fact that True Faith alone is compatible with man’s inherent nature as stated in theayah 30:30. Contrary to the speculation of those who have weaved a whole philosophy or religion, the fact is that True Faith did not originate with polytheism and, thereafter, gradually evolve into monotheism. On the contrary, the polytheistic religions found in the world today are merely distorted versions of the true original faith centred on monotheism.
Distortions crept into the religious domain because people added their innovations to the natural truths embodied in the original faith. Rather than adhere to the true original faith, they became enamoured of these innovations.
Thanks to this, religious diversions emerged among mankind and every group turned into a new, distinct sect or community. The only way that now remains for those who care for true guidance is to return to that core truth, which was the foundation of the original True Faith, and to abjure all subsequent religious innovations. Any affinity with those who are responsible for distorting the True Faith will have a corrupting influence on one’s own religious faith and practice.