BENEFIT 124: What is the criterion for Hizbiyyah, and is it an innovation?

Sheikh Yahya hafidahullah said: The criterion for Hizbiyyah is characterised through narrow allegiance and disavowal, and it is indeed an innovation. How could it not be an innovation when it is a novelty and a [cause for] division. Meanwhile, Allah Almighty says, "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." And He says, "Indeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me." And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Whoever introduces into our matter something that is not of it, will have it rejected." And this (Hizbiyyah) is innovation in religion. Whatever is not from the command of the Prophet, peace be upon him, [is an innovation]. Indeed, the Prophet unified between the Muhajireen and the Ansar and said, "All of the blood from the period of ignorance (Jāhiliyyah) is under my feet." And he forbade such partisanship when there was a disagreement among the Muhajireen and some of the Ansar, some of them said, "O Ansar!" and some of them said, "O Muhajireen!" So he ﷺ said, "Are you calling with such call of ignorance, while I am in your midst. Leave it off, for it is despicable." So, anything that leads to conflict between the Muslims is from the calls of ignorance, and resembling them. And so this Hizbiyyah is from the call of ignorance and resembling them, as well as emulation of the disbelievers, whom Allah Almighty said, "Do not be among the polytheists, those who divided their religion and became sects, every faction rejoicing in what it has." Also, it is an innovation based on the mentioned evidence, and it is also among the great sins that involve emulation of the disbelievers. Therefore, it is obligatory to avoid this great harm and instead to adhere to the Book of Allah Almighty. "And whatever you disagree on, its judgement is [to be referred] to Allah." "If you disagree over something, then refer it back to Allah and the Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result." Source: https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/372