The sects in Islam are primarily involved in the brokerage of deeds. First, "good" Deeds are manufactured, then rewards for these manufactured deeds, mostly chanting, are multiplied. Deeds are even transferred from one to the other, bad deeds are wiped cleaned, good deeds are reduced or altogether rendered useless for minor infringements and so on. They basically use the rewards associated with manufactured deeds or random events and tragedies as a means to control their members. That is it.
This control is broadly achieved in two ways. first good deeds are linked to the mindless chanting of Arabic "Duas" which most of the chanters don't even understand. These "good deeds" takes on a selfish form that contributes absolutely nothing to the community at large. Not only that but the rewards or "thawab" for these manufactured "good deeds" are made to balloon to such disproportionate numbers that keeping score of rewards becomes the fixation. Needless to say, it is a lot easier to chant than going out and actually doing real good deeds, hence the attraction.
Secondly, since the sect doles out these "good deeds" in a carrot maneuver, it also needs a counter stick maneuver in order to give themselves the option to cancel any previously doled out "good deeds". Hence, completing the total control over their members. In fact, making their very salvation conditional upon how well they dance to the sect tune. Obviously, the sophistry of their system demands that they extend this deeds rationing absurdity to the non Members as well. Predictably the extension is designed to create a religious supremacism. The rewards of the manufactured "good deeds" and the real good deeds of rival sects are nullified by declaring them to be out of the fold of Islam. Interestingly the rewards of the real good deeds of the non-Muslims are inexplicably deemed to be available to them before they die as opposed to being counted on the Day of Judgement. Translation, they are declared beyond salvation because they did not seek the exclusive sect membership. But non-Muslims need not despair because they have a standing invitation to join the sect and all their sins will be washed away. Imagine the power they dare to assign themselves.
It is not difficult to explain the morbid fascination with sects because many among us have gravitated towards the words of men and especially what we want to hear in them. Most of us are afraid of following the words of God in case we lose our wiggle room or at least that is how most fear it may turn out. We are busy looking for a fixer for our sins instead of the truth, our quest has more to do with seeking an identity and/or a false sense of superiority and less to face up to the reality of moderation and a constant state of sacrifice as repeatedly pointed out by God.
In fact, all the minor and major innovations in religions are introduced under the cover of these interconnected and patently false Umbrella doctrines. None of it has support in either the Quran or Mutawatir Ahadith. Unconditional Intercession, Imams, Popes and their claimed authority to be able to wipe the slate clean of course. Above all, to be able to declare anyone that crosses their path a kafir is an ultimate weapon, especially when it is coupled with the innovation of death for blasphemy. In fact, everything a sect does is with an eye on the membership drive instead of spreading the religion of God. Every innovation can be traced back to these core theological innovations. All the sects are doing it and we are lapping it up. The division into various sects is a mere by-product of the resulting competition in the marketplace.
If everything else fails these sects have special bonus clauses for the rich. Too many reasons to list. If you have money and will travel then you are in luck. The Hajj factor kicks in. For those members that are too lazy to even chant, all you have to do is hop on a plane, spend three days as paid guests of the Saudi government and you are done. All your sins are washed clean. The poor don't figure here unless of course, a rich man pays for the trip, then, you guessed it, the rich man doesn't even have to bother going on the trip.. Because, in addition to the Hajj performing poor man, the rich man's sins are also wiped clean without leaving the comfort of his home. Go figure.
The reality as detailed in the Quran is very different. The only manner in which bad deeds can be removed is through doing actual real good deeds and the sum total of all our deeds will be weighed by God Himself for each of us individually in order to determine our eternity.Period.
The ten to one ratio and the doubling of good and bad deeds are the only numbers associated with deeds in the Quran.
Allah says: "Whoso bringeth a good deed will receive tenfold the like thereof, while whoso bringeth an ill-deed will be awarded but the like thereof; and they will not be wronged." Quran 6:160
Some of the references for the doubling are: Quran 33:58/38:61/17:75 and multiplication are mentioned in Quran 57:11 confirming Quran 6:160. Will add more.
Ouch!
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