Sunni Islam

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Historic Quran texts in Old Dhaka

Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of Islam, comprising the majority of the world's Muslim population. It is considered to be the orthodox and traditionalist branch of Islam, adhering closely to the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an. Sunni Muslims emphasize the importance of the Sunna, which are the practices, teachings, and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, as a source of Islamic jurisprudence, alongside the Qur'an.

Beliefs and Practices

Sunni Islam is characterized by its adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of Muslim life. These include the Shahada (the declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). In addition to these pillars, Sunni Muslims place a significant emphasis on the consensus of the Ummah (Muslim community) and the teachings of the four main legal schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali) in interpreting the Sharia (Islamic law).

History

The term "Sunni" comes from "Ahl as-Sunnah", meaning the "People of the Tradition". This tradition refers to those who followed the practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, in contrast to the Shi'a, who believed that leadership of the Muslim community should remain within the Prophet's family. The division between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims originated from a political and leadership dispute after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. Over time, these differences evolved into distinct religious practices and beliefs.

Major Sunni Schools of Thought

Sunni Islam is not monolithic; it encompasses a variety of theological and legal schools of thought. The four major Sunni "madhhabs" (schools of jurisprudence) are:

• Hanafi: Founded by Abu Hanifa, it is the largest school of Sunni jurisprudence, known for its flexibility and use of reason in interpreting the Qur'an and Hadith.
• Maliki: Founded by Malik ibn Anas, this school places emphasis on the practices of the people of Medina as a source of Sunna.
• Shafi'i: Founded by Muhammad ibn Idris ash-Shafi'i, this school is known for its systematic methodology in jurisprudence, emphasizing the importance of consensus among the Muslim community.
• Hanbali: Founded by Ahmad ibn Hanbal, it is the most conservative among the four schools, known for its strict adherence to the texts of the Qur'an and Hadith.

Sunni Theology

Sunni theology is based on the belief in the six articles of faith: belief in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His prophets, the Day of Judgment, and predestination. Theology within Sunni Islam has historically been divided into several schools, with the Ash'ari and Maturidi schools being prominent in articulating the beliefs of the Sunni majority, especially in matters of faith and rationality.

Cultural and Geographical Diversity

Sunni Islam is practiced widely around the globe, from the Middle East to Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe and the Americas. This wide geographical spread has led to significant cultural and regional diversity within the Sunni tradition. Despite this diversity, Sunni Muslims share a common theological framework and adherence to the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad.

Contemporary Issues

Sunni Islam, like all major religious traditions, faces challenges and questions in the modern world, including issues of religious authority, interpretation of Islamic law in the context of contemporary societies, and the relationship between Islam and the state. The rise of radical extremist groups claiming to represent Sunni Islam has also led to internal debates within the community about theology, extremism, and the true teachings of Islam.