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Sunni Islam

Foundations of Faith and Practice

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What is Sunni Islam?

The Majority Tradition

Sunni Islam represents the largest branch of Islam globally, comprising the majority of adherents worldwide. It is characterized by its adherence to the sunna—the practices and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad—as a primary source of guidance alongside the Quran.[5]

Succession and Leadership

A defining tenet of Sunni Islam is the belief that Muhammad did not designate a specific successor. Consequently, they recognize Abu Bakr as the rightful first caliph, chosen by consensus following the Prophet's passing. This contrasts with the Shia perspective, which posits Ali ibn Abi Talib as the designated successor.[5] Sunnis revere Ali, along with Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman, as the 'rightly-guided caliphs' (Rashidun).[a]

Sources of Guidance

The foundational texts for Sunni jurisprudence (fiqh) are the Quran and the Hadith, particularly the collections known as the Six Books. Scholarly consensus (ijma) also plays a crucial role. These sources inform the Sharia, interpreted through the methodologies of the four major legal schools: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali.[6]

Core Beliefs (Iman)

Tawhid (Oneness of God)

Central to Sunni theology is the absolute oneness of God (Allah), emphasizing His uniqueness, lack of partners, and transcendence. God is the eternal creator, existing before all creation and continuing eternally, without needs or physical form.[146]

Angels and Spirits

Sunnis believe in angels as God's unseen messengers who perform specific duties, such as transmitting revelation (Gabriel), managing natural phenomena (Michael), and recording human deeds. Satan (Iblis) is considered a created being who whispers doubts to humans.[146]

Divine Books

Adherence to divine revelations is a key tenet. Sunnis believe in scriptures revealed by God, including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and most importantly, the Quran, which they consider the final, uncreated, and literal word of God.[164]

Prophets

Sunnis believe in prophets as God's messengers, starting with Adam and culminating with Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet and messenger. They believe all prophets conveyed God's truth and performed miracles, with Muhammad's prophethood confirmed by the Quran's inimitability.[171]

Resurrection and Judgment

A core belief is the Day of Judgment, preceded by signs of the hour. This includes the resurrection of all beings, the weighing of deeds on divine scales, and accountability for one's actions. The vision of God in the hereafter is also a significant tenet.[180]

Predestination (Qadar)

Sunnis affirm belief in divine predestination, acknowledging that all events, both good and bad, occur according to God's decree and plan. This concept emphasizes God's omnipotence and knowledge, while also affirming human responsibility.[199]

The Five Pillars

Shahada

The declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger." This is the foundational statement of Islamic belief.[165]

Salah

Ritual prayers performed five times daily at prescribed times, facing the Kaaba in Mecca. It involves specific physical movements and recitations.[165]

Zakat

Obligatory charity, typically 2.5% of a Muslim's accumulated wealth, distributed to the poor and needy. It is seen as a purification of wealth.[165]

Sawm (Fasting)

Abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn until sunset during the month of Ramadan. It is a period of spiritual reflection and self-discipline.[165]

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

The pilgrimage to Mecca, which every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. It involves a series of rituals performed over several days.[165]

Historical Development

Early Caliphates

Following Muhammad's death, the Rashidun Caliphate (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali) established the initial leadership. The transition to the Umayyad dynasty marked a shift towards dynastic rule, which Sunnis view as a departure from the egalitarian ideals of early Islam.[53]

Abbasid Era and Beyond

The Abbasid Caliphate, while a significant period for Islamic scholarship and culture, also saw the development of distinct theological and legal schools. The era witnessed the formalization of the four major Sunni legal schools and the theological debates that shaped Islamic thought.[60]

Modern Era and Movements

The fall of the Ottoman Empire post-World War I led to significant geopolitical shifts, influencing Sunni communities globally. This period saw the rise of various movements, including reformist, revivalist, and modernist interpretations, responding to colonial impacts and internal challenges.[61]

Scholarly Traditions

Schools of Law (Madhhabs)

Sunni jurisprudence is structured around four main schools, each following distinct methodologies for interpreting Islamic law while generally agreeing on core principles:

  • Hanafi: Known for its reliance on analogical reasoning (qiyas) and preference for juristic discretion (istihsan).
  • Maliki: Emphasizes the practices of the people of Medina (amal ahl al-madina) and prophetic traditions (hadith).
  • Shafi'i: Known for its systematic approach to jurisprudence, prioritizing Quran, Sunnah, ijma, and qiyas.
  • Hanbali: Characterized by a strict adherence to textual sources (Quran and Sunnah) and a conservative interpretation.

Other schools, like the Zahiri, have also existed historically.[120]

Schools of Theology (Kalam)

In matters of creed (aqidah), Sunni Islam encompasses several theological traditions:

  • Ash'ari: Founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari, it emphasizes divine revelation and attributes, often seen as a middle path between rationalism and strict literalism.[83]
  • Maturidi: Established by Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, prevalent in Central Asia, it allows for reason to play a role in understanding theological concepts, particularly where revelation is silent.[84]
  • Athari: A traditionalist approach that rejects rationalistic theology (kalam) in favor of strict textualism, adhering to the literal meaning of the Quran and Sunnah.[90]

Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh)

Deriving Rulings

Islamic jurisprudence, or Fiqh, involves the interpretation and derivation of specific rulings from primary sources (Quran and Sunnah) and secondary sources (Ijma and Qiyas). The four main Sunni schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali) provide distinct methodologies for this process.[114]

Methodological Diversity

While these schools share fundamental beliefs, they differ in their approaches to legal reasoning and the weight given to various sources. This diversity reflects a rich tradition of scholarly debate and interpretation within Sunni Islam.[115]

Historical Recognition

Historically, the Mamluk and Ottoman Empires recognized the four major schools, reinforcing their status. Contemporary discussions, such as the Amman Message, also acknowledge the validity of the Zahiri school, expanding the recognized traditions.[120]

Adherents and Community

Global Reach

Sunni Islam is practiced by over 85-90% of the world's estimated 1.62 billion Muslims. Its adherents are found across diverse cultures and regions globally.[79]

Reverence for Companions

Sunnis hold the companions (Sahabah) of Prophet Muhammad in high regard, considering them reliable transmitters of Islamic tradition. This belief is supported by Quranic verses and prophetic sayings, emphasizing their integrity and role in preserving the faith.[74]

Leadership and Scholarship

Sunni Islam lacks a formal, centralized hierarchy. Leadership and authority are typically vested in scholars (ulama) who gain influence through deep study of Islamic law and theology. Religious and political leadership are, in principle, open to all Muslims.[76]

Theological Discourse

Ash'ari and Maturidi

The Ash'ari and Maturidi schools represent the dominant theological traditions within Sunni Islam. Ash'arism, founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari, emphasizes divine revelation, while Maturidism, associated with Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, integrates reason more prominently.[83][84]

Athari Traditionalism

The Athari school offers a traditionalist perspective, prioritizing a literal interpretation of scripture (Quran and Sunnah) and eschewing rationalistic theological discourse (kalam). This approach has seen resurgence in modern times.[90]

Scholarly Consensus

Despite theological differences, these schools generally coexist within the broader Sunni framework, reflecting a tradition that accommodates diverse intellectual approaches to understanding faith and practice.[97]

Eschatology and Future

Life in the Grave

Sunni doctrine includes belief in the questioning of the deceased in the grave by angels Munkar and Nakir. The believer's correct responses affirm their faith, while doubters face divine judgment.[159]

Signs of the Hour

Belief in the signs preceding the Day of Resurrection is integral, including events such as the appearance of the Dajjal (Antichrist), the rising of the sun from the west, and the descent of Jesus.[177]

Judgment and Paradise

The Day of Resurrection involves the weighing of deeds, divine judgment, and the ultimate fate of individuals in Paradise or Hell. Monotheists who committed serious sins are believed to eventually be released from Hell through God's mercy and intercession.[195]

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References

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A full list of references for this article are available at the Sunni Islam Wikipedia page

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