Muslims Remain Muslims Even After Their Mutual Discord

Question

In India and in other countries a considerable number of Muslims live, and because of partisanship they all hold differing views. For this reason attacks upon them occur time and again, and their lives, property, honour and dignity are unprotected. In such a state are they Muslims or not? If they are, in what manner and on what basis?

Answer

Discord and partisanship arising from the desires of the self and from the pursuit of personal authority are severely blameworthy, and their consequences are very evil, as is plainly observed. Even so, they cannot be called disbelievers: they are indeed Muslims. It is, however, obligatory upon them to desist from such conduct and to repent.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.