Sunni

Definition

Sunni is one of the two main branches of Islam, representing the majority of Muslims worldwide. Sunnis follow the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad as interpreted through the Hadith and the consensus of the community, emphasizing the importance of tradition and communal decision-making in matters of faith and practice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sunnis represent about 85-90% of the global Muslim population, making them the largest denomination within Islam.
2. The Sunni-Shia split originated from a dispute over who should succeed Muhammad after his death in 632 CE, with Sunnis supporting a system of elected leaders.
3. Sunnis emphasize the role of community consensus (ijma) in interpreting Islamic law and making religious decisions.
4. The four major Sunni schools of thought—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali—each offer different interpretations of Islamic law while still adhering to core beliefs.
5. Sunni Muslims observe the Five Pillars of Islam, which include faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage, as foundational practices central to their faith.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast Sunni beliefs with those of Shia Muslims regarding leadership in Islam.
  • Sunni Muslims believe that leadership should be determined by consensus or election from among the community, supporting the notion of a caliphate as a political system. In contrast, Shia Muslims argue that leadership should be based on direct descent from the Prophet Muhammad, specifically through his cousin Ali and his descendants. This fundamental disagreement over succession has led to significant theological and political differences between the two branches.
• Discuss the role of Hadith in shaping Sunni Islamic practices and beliefs.
  • Hadith play a crucial role in Sunni Islam as they contain recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. These texts provide guidance on various aspects of life and are essential for understanding the Sunnah, or tradition, which complements the Quran. By following Hadith, Sunnis can interpret Islamic law and practice their faith more authentically according to the Prophet's teachings.
• Evaluate the significance of community consensus (ijma) in Sunni Islam and its impact on Islamic jurisprudence.
  • Community consensus (ijma) holds significant importance in Sunni Islam as it represents collective agreement among scholars on various religious matters. This principle allows for flexibility and adaptability in Islamic jurisprudence, enabling Sunni Muslims to respond to contemporary issues while remaining rooted in traditional teachings. By relying on ijma alongside the Quran and Hadith, Sunnis can develop legal rulings that reflect both historical context and modern realities, thereby fostering a dynamic interpretation of Islamic law.

Related terms

Shia:

Shia is the second major branch of Islam, distinct from Sunni, which believes that leadership should have remained within the Prophet Muhammad's family, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law Ali.

Caliphate: The caliphate is a form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered a successor to Muhammad. Sunnis believe that the caliph should be chosen through consensus or election rather than by direct descent.

Hadith:

Hadith are collections of sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad that serve as important sources of Islamic law and guidance for Sunni Muslims.