Sunni

Definition

Sunni refers to the largest branch of Islam, which believes in following the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad as derived from the Quran and Hadith. Sunnis emphasize the importance of community consensus in interpreting Islamic law and governance, setting them apart from other groups like the Shia, who have different views on leadership and authority within the Muslim community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sunni Muslims make up about 85-90% of the global Muslim population, making them the largest denomination in Islam.
2. The primary distinction between Sunni and Shia beliefs arose after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, primarily over who should lead the Muslim community.
3. Sunni Islam is characterized by its reliance on the consensus of the community (ijma) and established jurisprudence (fiqh) in interpreting religious texts.
4. Major Sunni schools of thought include Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali, each with their own interpretations of Islamic law and practice.
5. Sunni Muslims engage in similar practices of prayer, pilgrimage, and fasting during Ramadan as Shia Muslims, but there are some differences in rituals and celebrations.

Review Questions

• How does the Sunni understanding of leadership differ from that of Shia Islam?
  • The Sunni understanding of leadership emphasizes that leaders should be chosen by consensus or election from among qualified members of the Muslim community, rather than being restricted to a specific lineage. In contrast, Shia Muslims believe that only descendants of Prophet Muhammad through Ali and Fatimah can hold legitimate leadership roles. This difference led to significant historical and political conflicts between Sunni and Shia communities.
• Discuss how the Quran and Hadith shape Sunni practices and beliefs within Islam.
  • For Sunni Muslims, both the Quran and Hadith are essential texts guiding their beliefs and practices. The Quran is regarded as the direct word of God, while Hadith offers insights into the Prophet Muhammad's life and teachings. Together, they help shape Islamic law (Sharia) and influence various aspects of daily life, including rituals, ethics, and community interactions. The reliance on these texts reinforces Sunni values such as community consensus and jurisprudence.
• Evaluate the implications of Sunni dominance in global Islam on inter-sect relations and contemporary geopolitical dynamics.
  • The dominance of Sunni Islam has significant implications for inter-sect relations and geopolitical dynamics across Muslim-majority regions. With Sunni Muslims constituting the majority, there can be tensions with Shia communities due to historical grievances and differing beliefs about leadership. These tensions often play out in contemporary politics, as seen in regions like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, where sectarian divisions can exacerbate conflicts. Additionally, Sunni-majority countries may seek to promote their interpretations of Islam globally, influencing both local cultures and international relations.

Related terms

Hadith:

Hadith are the recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, which serve as a crucial source of guidance for Muslims, alongside the Quran.

Shia:

Shia is the second-largest branch of Islam, which believes that leadership should remain within the family of the Prophet Muhammad, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.

Caliphate: A caliphate is a form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered a political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad, with Sunni Muslims traditionally supporting a system that allows for elected or community-approved leaders.