The word *ḥaqqānī* is derived from *ḥaqq*, meaning truth. Thus, *ḥaqqānī* means one who upholds the truth, is committed to the truth, and remains firmly established upon it.
Scholars often regard themselves as genuinely *ḥaqqānī* while labelling opposing scholars as proponents of falsehood and misguidance. Similarly, different groups and factions of our ʿulamāʾ claim that their own group is the true bearer of the truth and a genuine follower of *Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah*, while branding opposing groups as deviant and misguided sects.
It should be noted that the Sharīʿah undoubtedly requires every individual and group to uphold the truth, act in accordance with it, and remain steadfast upon it.
However, it is inappropriate for an individual or group to claim exclusive ownership of the truth or complete adherence to it while indiscriminately labelling every opposing individual or group as false and misguided. There are several reasons for this.
**First**, the reality is that no scholar or group within the Ummah is entirely free from error. Every individual and every group has shortcomings and mistakes to some degree.
It is for this reason that Imām Mālik (raḥimahullāh) said:
“None of us is such that his statements have not been accepted in some matters and rejected in others, except the occupant of this grave”—referring to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
**Second**, a person’s or group’s name, title, or self-proclaimed identity does not necessarily reflect the truth. Such claims are often exaggerated and driven by excessive enthusiasm. In some cases, the names adopted by individuals or groups, along with the claims they make, are plainly unwarranted.
Their ideas, practices, and conduct often fail to demonstrate the validity of such names and claims.
Consequently, it sometimes happens that hypocritical, heretical, and worldly-minded scholars who seek personal advantage proclaim themselves *ḥaqqānī*, while branding scholars who uphold the truth and have endured severe trials for their faith as proponents of falsehood.
It is worth noting that misguided and heretical sects throughout Islamic history have frequently described themselves as *Ahl al-Sunnah* and claimed to be *ḥaqqānī*. Yet, under the banner of the Sunnah, they have introduced and practised numerous religious innovations and forms of shirk.
Moreover, throughout history, certain heretical groups have refused to recognise the true followers of *Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah* as genuine Sunnī Muslims or followers of the Sunnah. Instead, they have branded them liars.
For example, in earlier times, the Qadariyyah and Muʿtazilah referred to the followers of Ahl al-Sunnah as *Mujabbirah*—extreme determinists. Their justification was that these scholars believed the entire created universe to be governed by the will and power of Allah Most High.
The Jahmiyyah labelled them *Mushabbihah*—those who liken Allah to His creation—because they affirmed Allah’s names and attributes.
The Murjiʾah called them *Shakkiyyah*—those who doubt—because they acknowledged that faith can increase and decrease, and each of them would say, “If Allah wills, I am a believer.”
The Rāfiḍah called them *Nāṣibiyyah* because they advocated selecting the imam, or head of state, through consultation and the consensus of the community.
The Bāṭiniyyah referred to them as *Ḥashwiyyah* because they followed the ḥadīths of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and the exemplary lives of his noble Companions.
Thus, the followers of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah were given whatever labels other groups chose to assign them. Yet none of those labels accurately described them or was appropriately applicable to them.
Therefore, neither an individual nor a group becomes genuinely *ḥaqqānī* simply by claiming that status.
A scholar can truly be regarded as *ḥaqqānī* only when they possess the qualities and characteristics of an *ʿĀlim Rabbānī* (a God-conscious scholar devoted to Allah) discussed earlier. Otherwise, despite claiming to be *ḥaqqānī*, the person may in practice be a worldly-minded sycophant, an accomplice to falsehood, and a hypocrite.
Similarly, an Islamic party or group can genuinely be considered *ḥaqqānī* only if it possesses the necessary ideological, ethical, and practical characteristics and pursues the appropriate objectives. Otherwise, regardless of its name, it may in reality be misguided or aligned with falsehood.
**Third**, claims to exclusive adherence to the truth often reveal a pronounced sense of personal arrogance.
It should be noted that there is little disagreement among scholars belonging to Ahl al-Sunnah on the principal and fundamental teachings of the religion. As for matters that permit scholarly inquiry and interpretation, an individual or group may hold a particular view with a strong hope that it is correct. At most, however, they may express a strong conviction that their position is closer to the truth; they cannot claim with absolute certainty that their position is the definitive truth in every such matter.
Furthermore, no matter how diligently a person worships Allah or follows the path of *taqwā* (God-consciousness), they can, at most, hope that their deeds will be accepted by Allah. They cannot be absolutely certain that their deeds have been accepted. Whatever the quality of their worship, they should not become complacent about it or regard themselves as exceptionally honoured and elevated in the sight of Allah.
This is because only Allah Most High truly knows who is sincere and God-conscious, who is firmly established upon the truth, who follows falsehood, who speaks truthfully, and who is hypocritical. No one can issue themselves a certificate declaring that they are spiritually pure.
In this regard, Allah Most High addresses those who claim purity:
“So do not claim yourselves to be pure. He knows best who is truly mindful of Him.”
In another verse, He says:
“Have you not seen those who claim purity for themselves? Rather, Allah purifies whom He wills.”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ is reported to have said:
“The true believer is the one who, remembering their sins and shortcomings and fearing Allah, says, ‘I am deserving of Hellfire.’ Conversely, the one who says, ‘I am destined for Paradise,’ out of complacency about their faith and deeds will enter Hellfire. And whoever arrogantly claims, while being self-satisfied with their faith and deeds, ‘I am *ḥaqqānī*; I am a true believer,’ is, in reality, a disbeliever.”
In another ḥadīth, while describing three destructive traits, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ identified one of them as considering oneself superior to others, describing it as the worst of them.
Therefore, it is never appropriate to regard oneself as superior to others or as perfectly committed to the truth, nor to project such an attitude through one’s words, conduct, or outward appearance. Such behaviour is deeply reprehensible.
Likewise, it is inappropriate for scholars within the Ummah to regard their own group or faction as the sole upholder of the truth and indiscriminately label the groups and factions of other scholars as false and misguided.
*From the book In Search of the True Scholar*