I would like to know who is the leader of ahle sunnat wal jamaat.

In order to answer your question, it is necessary to understand the term Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah`. Literally, it translates as, 'The people of the Sunnah (way of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and the Majority.'

Therefore, the leader of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah` is actually Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) himself and his illustrious Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum). Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'My Ummah (nation) will split into 73 factions, all will enter the fire save one. The Sahaaba (companions) enquired, 'Which is that faction?' Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) replied, '(The one that follows) my way and the way of my companions.' (Mishkaat).

Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) also said, 'Follow the way of the majority. He who separates himself from the majority will be alone in the fire.' (Ibid). In view of the above Ahaadith (and similar other Ahaadith), the Ulama (scholars) among the Salaf (pious predecessors) began using the term Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah` to differentiate between the path of truth and the already widespread Fitnah (mischief) of sectarianism. Therefore, it is obvious that the criteria for the true way will always be conformity to the Sunnah way of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and the beliefs of the Muslim majority.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.