36/8. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 3950 — Follow the Great Majority During Differences
The great majority
Hadith About Following the Great Majority of the Ummah
Sunan Ibn Majah : 3950
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 3950
حَدَّثَنَا الْعَبَّاسُ بْنُ عُثْمَانَ الدِّمَشْقِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ مُسْلِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُعَانُ بْنُ رِفَاعَةَ السَّلاَمِيُّ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو خَلَفٍ الأَعْمَى، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ " إِنَّ أُمَّتِي لَنْ تَجْتَمِعَ عَلَى ضَلاَلَةٍ فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمُ اخْتِلاَفًا فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِالسَّوَادِ الأَعْظَمِ " .
Anas bin Malik Narrated from:
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘My nation will not unite on misguidance, so if you see them differing, follow the great majority.’”
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 3950In-book reference : Book 36, Hadith 25English translation : Vol. 5, Book 36, Hadith 3950
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 3950
This Hadith is commonly searched as follow the great majority hadith. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said that his nation will not unite on misguidance, and when disagreement is seen, people should follow the great majority. The text is about difference and how to respond to it. It does not give a full rulebook for every dispute, so the explanation should stay direct. The Hadith tells a believer not to rush behind every small group or loud claim when confusion spreads. It points to staying connected to the main body of the Ummah. Its core topic is unity, caution, and avoiding isolation during religious disagreement.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Ummah is not described as uniting upon misguidance.
- During disagreement, the Hadith directs people toward the great majority.
- A believer should be careful before following isolated claims.
- The text encourages staying connected to the main body of Muslims.
