Regarding the Ayah: Surah Al­Rum, 30: 31 And perform As-Salat and be not of Al-Mushrikun.

Q104: What is the meaning of the following Ayahs (Qur'anic verses): Surah Al­Rum, 30: 31 And perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and be not of Al-Mushrikun (the polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) Surah Al­Rum, 30: 32 Of those who split up their religion (i.e. who left the true Islamic Monotheism), and became sects, [i.e. they invented new things in the religion (Bid`ah), and followed their vain desires]. (Surah Al-Rum, 30:31-32)?

A: In these Ayahs, Allah (may He be Exalted) shows some of the characteristics of the Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in worship) and the Kafirs (disbelievers), who between them are dividing the Din (religion) and splitting into sects. Each of them has their own opinions, supporters, leaders, and followers who get angry when their leader is angry and are pleased when he is pleased. The Din is not their concern and they are not committed to it.

However, the Muslims are united in their adherence to the Book of Allah (the Qur'an) and the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet, peace be upon him), and they gather on these and cling onto the rope of Allah's Perfect Din.

In contrast, the Kafirs are divided into groups and sects. Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) warns us against being like them and commands us to perform Salah (Prayer), adhere to His Din (Islam), unite in the Truth, and not to imitate His enemies, the Mushriks, who have divided their Din and become sects. Allah also warns us against those who have committed Bid`ah (rejected innovation in religion), imitated the Mushriks, distorted their Din, and have become opposing groups, such as the Mu`tazilites, the Jahmites, the Murji`ahs, the Shi`ah,

Division in the Din violates Allah's Command of clinging to His Rope (i.e. the Qur'an), adhering to His Din, and avoiding religious disputes which lead to loss and failure.