Actually (am I'm not speaking as a Deobandi) the Deobandis are a subsection of the Hanafi school of thought of Sunni Islam. Their name arises from the fact that their views originate from a madrassah in the Indian town of Deoband.
Despite the madrassah's Indian location, most of it's supporters live in Pakistan and Afghanistan - the Taliban were originally Deobandis, although their views have now differed a little from the Deobandis.
Brother Salman, the Deobandis have nothing to do with the Wahabis. The Deobandis' views are generally related to those of the Hanafi school of thought, albeit more narrow-minded than much of Imam Hanafi's teachings (or so I feel); whereas Wahabi views are more closely related to those of the Hanbali school of thought.
[This message has been edited by mAd_ScIeNtIsT (edited August 30, 2001).]
Muslims are so good at dividing that they can divide the atom. If you see two Muslims, probably they belong to 3 parties.
I would consider myself as a Deobandi. There beliefs as stated by a brother are Hanafi and Maturidi in creed. Followers of Chishtiyah tariqah. Best thing for any one interested in learning about them is to visit their web sites. Some are listed below: www.albalagh.netwww.jamiat.co.zawww.shariah.netwww.inter-islam.orgwww.binoria.org
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