Islamic schools and branches

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Islam branches and schools.

Islamic Sects Map

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Islamic schools of Jurisprudence

Islamic Schools and Branches

Islamic schools and branches represent the diverse interpretations and practices within Islam. This diversity has evolved over the centuries, shaped by cultural, geographical, and historical contexts. The main division in Islam is between Sunni and Shia Muslims, but there are also several other schools and branches, each with its own unique beliefs and practices.

Sunni Islam

Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, comprising about 85-90% of the world's Muslim population. Sunnis follow the Quran and the Hadiths (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) as their primary sources of Islamic law and guidance. Sunni Islam is further divided into four major legal schools (Madhhabs): Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali. These schools differ in their methodologies for interpreting the Quran and Hadith but are united in their core beliefs.

Shia Islam

Shia Islam represents the second-largest branch of Islam, making up about 10-15% of all Muslims. Shia Muslims hold a fundamental belief in the leadership of Ali ibn Abi Talib and his descendants as the rightful successors of Prophet Muhammad. This belief in Imamate is central to Shia theology. The largest subgroup within Shia Islam is the Twelvers, who believe in a succession of twelve Imams. Other notable Shia sects include the Ismailis and the Zaidis.

Sufism

Sufism is often described as Islamic mysticism, focusing on the inward search for God and shunning materialism. Sufis strive for a personal, direct experience of God, often through rituals and practices like meditation, chanting, and dancing. Sufism has influenced both Sunni and Shia Islam and has various orders (Tariqas) with their own teachings and practices.

Other Islamic Schools and Branches

Apart from Sunni and Shia Islam, there are other minor schools and branches, each with its distinct beliefs and practices. These include:

- Ahmadiyya: A movement founded in the late 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, considered by his followers as the promised Messiah and Mahdi. Ahmadi Muslims face significant persecution in various Muslim-majority countries. - Ibadi Islam: Predominantly found in Oman, Ibadism predates the Sunni-Shia split and has unique beliefs, including the concept of the imamate being open to any qualified individual, regardless of lineage. - Quranism: Quranists reject the authority of Hadiths and rely solely on the Quran as their source of Islamic law and guidance.

Conclusion

The diversity within Islamic schools and branches reflects the rich tapestry of global Muslim communities. Despite differences in beliefs and practices, Muslims share core tenets of faith, including belief in one God (Allah), the prophethood of Muhammad, and the importance of the Quran as the word of God.