heretics

previously i wrote of my explanation of the existance of differences of opinion WITHIN islam; and, the various ways in which islam is practiced by Muslims around the world. Some want a criteria which muslims can follow to determine HERETICAL SECTS (groups with Mis-understandings of the fundamental beliefs of Islam, like finality of prophethood, concept of tawhid, etc.) And once we are able to determine who the Heretics are, we can take action to ensure that they are not mistaken for TRUE ISLAM and then, prevent the emergence of new Heresies to protect these core beliefs from corruption. (i don't know what it is about determining and labeling others as Heretics, maybe it compensates for the insecurities in the minds of some muslims about their own beliefs, allah knows best.) Good News! THIS CRITERIA EXISTS! There are several books that describe it, "Islamic Creeds" by Montgomery Watt gives a selection of these criterias of the "core beliefs and their order of priority" that some muslims desire. it is called "aqida" literature, and one of its goals is to designate sects to be outside of Islam. also, the "core beliefs" some feel should not be violated are also refered to as the"usul" of islam. there is no need to reinvent the wheel. for centuries, among muslim scholars it has been understood that if anyone violates the "aqida" or crosses the boundries established by the "usul" they can be considered outside of ISLAM. ITS BEEN DONE, the teachings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and Nation of Islam were determined NOT ISLAM by the scholars after thay consulted the aqida literature. In fact Dr. Sherman Abd al Hakim Jackson's new book is about the issue of what the USUL boundries are, it's a translation of a work by Imam Ghazzali. Those who feel the need to label people heretic should BUY IT, READ IT, UNDERSTAND IT. theres no need to even struggle through the complicated process. the books are already out there. just search for "usul" or "aqeeda of Imam at-Tahawi." Now a problem is that eventhough we (sunni muslims) have had the criteria for centuries, it did not stop the emergence of the Nation of Islam in America and the Qadiani in India. How these groups come into existance is a lot more complicated than just them simply misunderstanding or lacking knowledge about the core beliefs (although this could be the major reason, i don't know). and when it comes some people's desire of "safe-guarding against their formation." i don't know what to say, except that i believe we must never FORCE anyone to follow even the "core beliefs". The most perfect recent examlple of an attempt to safe-gaurd is the arrogance and oppression by the taliban in Afghanistan or the wahhabi movement in saudi arabia and their desire in the late 1700's to cleanse Arabia of what THEY DESIGNATED as anti-islamic beliefs posing as islam, they declared jihad against Muslims whom they considered Kafir and murdered many innocent lives in the pursuit of PURIFYING ISLAM. i know others who can recommend better books on the subject of aqida or about the issue of usul vs. furu. peace.