Sunni

Definition

Sunni refers to the largest denomination of Islam, making up approximately 85-90% of the global Muslim population. This branch is characterized by its belief in the legitimacy of the first four caliphs as rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad and places emphasis on the Sunnah, or the practices and teachings of Muhammad, as a guiding source for Islamic law and life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term Sunni is derived from 'Ahl al-Sunnah,' meaning 'people of the tradition' in Arabic, highlighting their adherence to the teachings and practices of Muhammad.
2. Sunni Muslims are divided into several schools of thought, including Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali, each with its interpretations of Islamic law.
3. The Sunni-Shia divide originated from a dispute over the rightful successor to Muhammad after his death in 632 CE, leading to significant historical and political conflicts.
4. In contemporary times, Sunni-majority countries include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia, influencing global politics and Islamic discourse.
5. Sunni Islam emphasizes community consensus (ijma) and analogical reasoning (qiyas) in legal matters, contributing to a diverse range of interpretations within Sunni jurisprudence.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast Sunni beliefs with those of Shia Muslims regarding leadership after Muhammad's death.
  • Sunni Muslims believe that the leadership after Muhammad should be based on consensus and electing a caliph from among his companions, starting with Abu Bakr as the first caliph. In contrast, Shia Muslims hold that only Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was appointed as his rightful successor. This fundamental disagreement over succession has led to distinct religious practices and theological differences between the two groups.
• Evaluate how the Sunni interpretation of Islamic law has contributed to the diversity within the Muslim community.
  • Sunni interpretation of Islamic law is marked by its reliance on multiple schools of thought that reflect different legal methodologies. Each school—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali—offers unique perspectives on jurisprudence that consider cultural context and scholarly consensus. This diversity enables a wide range of practices and beliefs among Sunni Muslims worldwide, allowing them to adapt their faith to varying social environments while remaining grounded in core Islamic principles.
• Analyze the role of Sunni Muslims in shaping contemporary Islamic politics and society on a global scale.
  • Sunni Muslims play a pivotal role in contemporary Islamic politics due to their majority status within the Muslim world. Countries like Saudi Arabia wield significant influence through their promotion of Wahhabism, a conservative Sunni ideology. Additionally, Sunni political movements have emerged across various regions seeking to balance modern governance with traditional Islamic values. The interplay between Sunni political thought and global issues such as terrorism, secularism, and interfaith relations shapes not only local societies but also international diplomacy regarding Islam.

Related terms

Shia:

The second largest denomination of Islam, Shia Muslims believe that Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, was the rightful first caliph and that leadership should remain within the Prophet's family.

Caliphate: The political and religious system of Islamic governance led by a caliph, who is considered a successor to Muhammad; the Sunni tradition recognizes a series of historical caliphs.

Hadith: Narrations and sayings attributed to Prophet Muhammad that are used as a source of Islamic law and moral guidance, alongside the Quran.