Sunni

Sunni Islam

Religions
Islam
Scriptures
Quran, Hadith
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Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of Islam, followed by the majority of the world's Muslims. It is characterized by a particular understanding of the Quran, the Sunnah (practices of the Prophet Muhammad), and the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet). Sunni Muslims hold the Shahada (declaration of faith) as the fundamental expression of Islamic belief, emphasizing the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.

Beliefs and Practices

Sunni Islam is distinguished by its adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the four Rashidun caliphs who succeeded him in the 7th century CE. Sunni theology is based on the Quran and the Hadith, with the consensus of the Muslim community (Ummah) and analogical reasoning (Qiyas) also playing crucial roles. The primary schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) within Sunni Islam are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali, each named after the early Islamic scholars who founded them.

Five Pillars of Islam

The core practices of Sunni Islam are encapsulated in the Five Pillars of Islam, which are:

• Shahada: The declaration of faith in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
• Salat: Performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day.
• Zakat: Paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy.
• Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
• Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if one is able.

History

The term "Sunni" is derived from the phrase "Ahl al-Sunnah", meaning the people of the tradition of Muhammad. The division between Sunni and Shia Muslims originated from a dispute over the rightful successor to Muhammad. Sunnis believe that the community should select the leader, which led to the appointment of Abu Bakr as the first Caliph. This contrasts with the Shia belief that leadership should stay within the Prophet's family, specifically, Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Cultural Impact

Sunni Islam has had a profound influence on the cultural, political, and social life in the countries where it is the majority or has significant populations. It has shaped the arts, laws, and education systems in various parts of the world, including the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

Demographics

Today, Sunni Muslims constitute 85-90% of the global Muslim population, making it the largest Islamic sect. The countries with the largest Sunni populations include Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt.

See also

• Caliphate
• Islamic culture
• Islamic Golden Age
• Sufism